3 Key insights into the recent turnaround from the Oilers

EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 28: Leon Draisaitl #29, Ryan McLeod #71, Derek Ryan #10, Warren Foegele #37 and Mattias Janmark #13 of the Edmonton Oilers honour NHL Fight for Cancer before the game against the Las Vegas Golden Knightson November 28, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 28: Leon Draisaitl #29, Ryan McLeod #71, Derek Ryan #10, Warren Foegele #37 and Mattias Janmark #13 of the Edmonton Oilers honour NHL Fight for Cancer before the game against the Las Vegas Golden Knightson November 28, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images) /
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Edmonton Oilers
EDMONTON, CANADA – NOVEMBER 26: Mattias Ekholm #14, Evander Kane #91 and Ryan McLeod #71 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate a power play goal in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks on November 26, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Lawrence Scott/Getty Images) /

Even before Tuesday night’s win versus the Knights, the Oilers were showing signs of life, with three aspects standing out as key to the recent improvement.

The Edmonton Oilers have been navigating a challenging season, facing adversity which resulted in them making significant coaching changes in an effort to reverse their fortunes. The team parted ways with both their head coach and assistant coach, in the hope of sparking a turnaround.

The decision to let go of Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson was a bold move by the Oilers’ management, signalling a commitment to reshaping the team’s trajectory. Such changes often come with a period of adjustment, as players acclimate to new coaching styles and strategies. The question now is, whether the coaching shake-up will ultimately lead to the desired results?

In the recent four-game stretch, the Oilers faced formidable opponents, and their performance reflected the turbulence of their season. Two wins and two losses encapsulated a week of unpredictability. The defeats against the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes were disappointing, showcasing the challenges the team still grapples with.

The Edmonton Oilers’ struggles were laid bare in their encounters with the Panthers and Hurricanes. The defeats were not just losses; they were resounding setbacks that highlighted deficiencies in various aspects of their game. These matchups underscored the urgency for improvement and exposed areas that require immediate attention.

Despite the setbacks, the Oilers displayed resilience and determination, bouncing back with victories in the latter part of the week. Facing the Washington Capitals and the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton managed to regain their footing and secure two crucial wins. These victories not only provided a much-needed morale boost ,but also showcased the team’s capacity to overcome adversity.

Even with the recent wins offering hope, the Oilers must still address lingering concerns to establish sustained success. The coaching staff and players need to collaborate closely to shore up their weaknesses and establish a more robust and reliable game plan. At the same time there is now more reason for optimism, as we look at three reasons why the Oilers are beginning to turn their season around.