Oilers analyst reveals coach and GM have major strategy differences
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
In a recent article of The Athletic, Allan Mitchell pointed out some key philosophical differences between Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch and GM Stan Bowman.
Game-strategy and team personnel at odds
This season, the team has changed strategy, going from the passing system to stretch passes designed to dump and chase or place and chase.
but the summer work done by general manager Stan Bowman wasn't designed for this kind of offence.
In the case of Mangiapane and Frederic, the new template that eschews entering the offensive zone under control may be a factor in their struggles in their game. Put simply, the Bowman summer may not fit with the new Knoblauch offensive strategy.
- Allan Mitchell
but the summer work done by general manager Stan Bowman wasn't designed for this kind of offence.
In the case of Mangiapane and Frederic, the new template that eschews entering the offensive zone under control may be a factor in their struggles in their game. Put simply, the Bowman summer may not fit with the new Knoblauch offensive strategy.
- Allan Mitchell
The difference in the style between this season and last is quite noticeable in Edmonton's game, in particular at even strength. They are ranked 31 out of 32 teams in goal share 5v5.
Many point to a new dump-and-chase style for its poor play this season, compared to last year's emphasis on passing and skill to get through the neutral zone and create rushes.
Another reason is the coach's over-reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl, whether together, or on separate lines, resulting in secondary and depth players not being utilized properly, and therefore less scoring from the 3rd and 4th lines.
The dump-and-chase game is ill-suited for the current Oilers' players, while those who were expected to play with aggression, have not done so, as in Trent Frederic's case.
Look at Saturday's win against Florida as an example. The Oilers employed the stretch pass to beat the neutral-zone trap, while sending an additional forward for the dump-in. This strategy requires speed and finesse.
Once that strategy became effective, the Oilers then could switch to the forecheck, as was the case with many 3rd and 4th line shifts. That was made possible because of the Oilers' speed and skill.
Jack Roslovic, Evan Bouchard and Matt Savoie all had big games versus the Panthers, once again, by employing skill, and newcomer Connor Clattenburhg adding the necessary physical element.
Both styles work when carried out to perfection, but one has to be the primary approach to the Oilers' game, thus becoming its identity.
Too many times this year, the Oilers have lacked identity and have looked disjointed as a result. The solution to this is simple enough - play to your strengths.
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22 HOURS AGO | 256 ANSWERS Oilers analyst reveals coach and GM have major strategy differences Which style is Edmonton better suited for this year? | ||
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