The Edmonton Oilers have been on a roll lately, winning 3 games in a row. However, they now have five days off without playing a game, which could potentially disrupt their momentum.
The Edmonton Oilers don’t play again till Wednesday when the Carolina Hurricanes are in town. After that, they play another 5 games at home. This makes for a 6 game homestand, which means the team will be in Edmonton till they play the New York Islanders on December 19th.
Hopefully, the Edmonton Oilers don’t hit a skid during this time as they were playing their best hockey before this break. Despite this, there are still things that they can work on during this break. Here are three key areas that the Oilers need to focus on during their mini-break.
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Rest and Recovery
The NHL season is a gruelling one, with teams playing 82 games over just seven months. This schedule can take a toll on players, both physically and mentally. With five days off, the Oilers can take some time to rest and recuperate.
Rest is crucial for players to recover from the physical toll of playing so many games in a short period of time. By taking a few days off, the Oilers can give their bodies a chance to recover, which will be crucial for their performance later in the season. This could involve taking a few days off from the ice or simply reducing the intensity of their training sessions during this time.
There have already been a few players that have been injured this season. They may be back in the lineup, but any bit of rest can take an 85% healthy player to a 100% healthy player. When it comes to players like Connor McDavid an extra 15% could mean a lot.
Along with physical rest, mental rest is also important for players. The constant pressure of performing at a high level can be mentally exhausting, and players need to take time to recharge their batteries. This could involve spending time with family and friends or simply relaxing at home.