Oilers coach Knoblauch proves he's learned from Woodcroft's mistakes

The NHL season is ending, which is giving teams like the Oilers a chance to tinker with their lineup. Over the past couple of weeks, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Paul Coffey have changed some of their defensive pairings ice time and it's beginning to pay off.

Both coaches have recognized that changes were needed to the defence of parents along with how they are deployed as many mistakes were made by Jay Woodcroft and his staff during last years playoffs. One key change has been the reduction of Nurse and Ceci's TOI And have increased kulak and Desharnais' deployment.

These changes along with many others have restored the Oilers to a Stanley Cup contender as the team has seen a dramatic turn around in its fortunes since their terrible start back in October and early November. Knoblauch also has been known to look at all metrics and controversial methods to make his decisions.



This has led the Oilers to be second in the Pacific division and constantly challenging the Vancouver Canucks to stay ahead as they were three points behind them for first in the division.

The Oilers still have five games remaining in their season with a key match up against the Canucks on Saturday April 13th. With two games in hand and three points behind, it's quite possible the Oilers could surpass the Canucks and become the Pacific Division champs.