November 15, 2023 /

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM15: Oilers VS Kraken- 3P2W – “There’s No More Runway!” Says Friedman

Hey y’all! Welcome back for another season of Edmonton Oilers hockey! I’m BLH and I’ll be giving you the skinny on today’s game!

If you’re new here and are wondering what 3P2W means, well, it stands for Three Players to Watch and seeing I’m as lazy as I am, I figured we’d shorten it to 3P2W.

So with that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about what’s been going on lately in the Oilogospehere and then get into the player’s I’ve put under the spotlight for today’s matchup!

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Random Pontifications

In a stunning twist that echoed across the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers bid farewell to head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson after a rocky start to the season. The move, though anticipated by some, took many by surprise, especially given Woodcroft’s impressive track record leading up to the season.

Timing Is Everything: The Sunday Shake-Up

Elliotte Friedman, the voice of hockey insights, expressed his surprise at the timing of the decision. Winning the night before against Seattle didn’t deter the Oilers’ management from taking swift action. The move raises questions about the team’s performance, especially considering Woodcroft’s stellar coaching history, boasting a 68% win rate as the Oilers’ head coach.

Player Consultation Controversy?

Amid the coaching shake-up, there’s speculation about player involvement in the decision. While Jeff Jackson and Ken Holland had differing answers about consulting players, Friedman downplays it, emphasizing the routine of seeking player perspectives during challenging times. No mutiny occurred; instead, it was a strategic move to understand and address the team’s struggles.

New Coach, New Chapter: Kris Knoblauch Takes the Helm

In Kris Knoblauch’s coaching debut, the Oilers clinched back-to-back wins, breaking a troublesome losing streak and hinting at a potential revival under new leadership. Knoblauch’s coaching philosophy shines through, prioritizing a deep understanding of each player’s skill set and instilling confidence, a departure from the previous coaching approach. While the Oilers’ offensive strength is acknowledged, there’s a pressing need for defensive improvements to fortify their playoff aspirations

What Lies Ahead: Playoff Aspirations and Stanley Cup Dreams?

As the Oilers navigate this unexpected turn of events, questions arise about the team’s future. Are they still a Stanley Cup-caliber team, or are playoff aspirations at risk? The urgency for change signals a critical juncture for the organization. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s prime years ticking away, the pressure is on to salvage the season and redefine the narrative.

“There’s no more runway left.” – Elliotte Friedman

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Three Players to Watch for the (team)

  • #21 Alexander Wennberg (0g 4a 4pts) – He’s supposed to be one of Seattle’s big gunners and all he’s shooting is blanks.
  • #51 Shane Wright (0g 0a 0pts) – He was once a favorite for the 1st overall pick in the ’22 draft. He’s shown absolutely nothing so far other than Montreal, New Jersey, and Arizona made the “Wright” decision in letting him fall to Seattle. Personally, I think he’s in a tough spot with the Kraken and their coach and he’d be better off with a different organization. One that’d give the kid more than five minutes of ice time per night.
  • #6 Adam Larsson (0g 2a 2pts) – 27 shots and 34 blocks so far this year for one of my favorite former Oilers. I’m curious as to how he’ll perform in his return to Edmonton as it’s not one of the cities he looks forward to playing in anymore. At the very least you know he’s going to play the Oilers hard.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #29 Leon Draisaitl (5g 10a 15pts) – Ze German is starting to heat up. Watch out! I like his line with Kane and Hyman, although, it’s a line that is challenged defensively. So we’ll need to watch out for that.
  • #71 Ryan McLeod (0g 2a 2pts) – He’s looked a different man since Woodcroft got turfed. I mean, that’s only one game but he’s appeared far more assertive on the ice. Knoblauch is supposed to be the kind of coach who’ll use the kids and if we’re going by his first game behind the bench, it appears that rumor is true. It’s a shame about Holloway as him, McLeod, and Foegele were looking really good. Next man up!
  • #74 Stu Skinner (2-5-1, 3.53GAA, .861SV%) – The numbers do not look good at all but I think we can all say that he’s been pretty decent in his last two starts where he put up a .944 and a .970 SV% respectively. I’m singling him out here as a player to watch because this will be his 5th game in a row. At some point Edmonton is going to have to throw Pickard in, no?

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CategoriesArmchair GM Beer League Hero Edmonton Oilers NHL Rumors

TagsEdmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers Game day Edmonton Oilers News Edmonton Oilers Rumors NHL NHL News NHL Rumors Seattle Kraken

Beer League Hero Written by:

I'm the Beer League Hero! I am from Camrose, Alberta but I make my home in Taipei City, Taiwan. I've been through the ups and downs and the highs and the Lowes, the Bonsignores and the McDavids, the Sathers and the Eakins but I'll never leave my Oilers, no matter what! They're with me until the end and then some. GO OILERS GO!