Oilers analyst credits controversial coach for giving team an edge in playoff series
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are finding ways to score against a stingy defensive Los Angeles Kings team, and one analyst is crediting coach Dustin Schwartz for it.
Oilers fans have long held a low opinion of Schwartz for the team's inconsistent and often declining goaltending results over his 10 year tenure. Schwartz has survived every coach and management change.
Oilers analyst credits Dustin Schwartz for beating Darcy Kuemper
Oilers analyst Jason Gregor recently interviewed goalie analyst Kevin Woodley, who noted that Kuemper was getting beat by the Oilers exploiting his weaknesses - through pre-scouts from Schwartz.
He's not making as many saves. Kuemper led the NHL in goals saved above expected in the regular season
Schwartz has done a good job pre-scouting him off his posts and the Oilers are getting him sprawled out. They have had the most success creating high danger from behind the goal line.
- Woodley
Schwartz has done a good job pre-scouting him off his posts and the Oilers are getting him sprawled out. They have had the most success creating high danger from behind the goal line.
- Woodley
Kuemper had a fantastic season this year, earning himself a nomination for the Vezina trophy.. Despite a good goaltender behind a solid defensive team, the Oilers have been finding ways to beat him.
As Woodley mentioned, much of the Oilers successful offence is coming off plays low in the zone, and creating off short cycles. They've also begun to drive the net, which as early described as a weakness of Kumper's by former teammate Devan Dubnyk.
While the goalie coach may be doing some work scouting other goalies, he might want to pay attention to his own as well.
Even if Schwartz gave valuable insight that Kuemper is easier to beat down low, the Oilers skill players would've figured that out too.
The Oilers seem to have moved away from Stuart Skinner as their starting goalie. Perhaps, this offseason is the year they finally get a new voice for a goalie coach as well.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 650 ANSWERS Oilers analyst credits controversial coach for giving team an edge in playoff series Do you think the Oilers should fire coach Dustin Schwartz? | ||
| Yes | 514 | 79.1 % |
| No | 136 | 20.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
