Insider calls out Trent Frederic for critical issue in first year of 8 year contract

Often, when a team isn't doing well, it's because they've gotten away from the basics, the small things that win hockey games, like playing north-south hockey, dumping the puck for the forecheckers, cycling down-low, and crashing the net, like we saw Florida do in the last two playoffs.

When Trent Frederic was brought in on an 8-year deal at a cap hit of $3.85M, he was asked to play physical, on-the-edge game and provide the kind of aggression that Evander Kane and Corey Perry brought with each game.

In a recent article, ex-Oilers turned commentators Craig McTavish and Jason Strudwick both made the same comment about what the Oilers must do to change its game - Go to the net.

It's become apparent to any that watch the Oilers closely, that the team is not playing with physicality and intensity, that they appear tired even. Perhaps, given the amount of games they've played in the last two years. But going to the net is not a skill necessarily, but a mind-set.

Individually, those whose role it is to be physical, like Frederic, are not performing their roles; while team-wise, we're seeing very little hitting and bone-crushing body checks in the D-zone that make the opposition think twice about going to the slot, or up the neutral zone.

The fix is easy enough really; create your own opportunities by going hard to the corners, slot, and net, and put pucks on net. It may be time to simplify things in Edmonton.

In other words, not to play on the perimeter, where nothing really happens. Jason said the Oilers need to drive up the middle of the ice, and crash the net. Basic style of hockey that has worked for those that simplify their game.