Oilers making real effort to change their style of play after trade deadline
Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
There has been a noticeable difference in the Edmonton Oilers style of play over the past couple of days as they have become a far stronger hitting and physical team than before.
Over the course of the season, many people including Oilers reporter Jason Gregor have stated the Oilers were the weakest team when it came to hits and physical play that general manager Stan Bowman went out and picked up several players including Trent Frederic, Max Jones and Jake Walman who bring the physical play to the team.
Oilers look very different after deadline according to Eliotte Freidman
Even with Frederic still out with his injury, 32 Thoughts podcaster Elliot Friedman had commented on the change of the Oilers play during the latest episode of the 32 thoughts podcast.
«the Oilers looked very different and we still haven't seen Trent Frederic yet. And we still haven't seen Evander Kane yet.» Elliotte Friedman
He made the comments that he had noticed the team was throwing their weight around much more freely and that they have looked vastly different compared to what they did just prior to the deadline.
The Oilers had adopted a more skill and speed game rather than a physical game but with recent playoff experience, the Oilers have added some physicality that could help them against teams like the Florida Panthers.
Very physical. Like that's one thing Edmonton hasn't been this year. I think if you would ask the people who've watched them, is they haven't thrown the body around as much as they did on Saturday night. Elliotte Friedman
Max Jones ups his physicality to remain in the league
Many NHL pundits felt that Max Jones would need to up his physical game to remain in the NHL as it appeared at his career may come to an end.
The 27-year-old who is 6 foot 3 and 216 lbs was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2016, first round 24th overall.
His numbers during his entire career have not been flattering and many feels have been well under what he should have been achieving.
«Max Jones had five hits and he kind of admitted when talking to Scott that he knew that this is the time. Like if he doesn't do that, we might be coming to the end here. Elliotte Friedman
He certainly has the size and certainly would get the opportunity with the Oilers to show if he can turn things around but it's safe to say that his window of opportunity is small and would definitely need to make a strong impact.
With the NHL stretch run beginning, the Oilers will now sprint to the end of the season in hopes to win as many games as possible and secure the Pacific Division and once they receive Evander Kane and Trent Frederic.
| POLL | ||
MARS 11 | 729 ANSWERS Oilers making real effort to change their style of play after trade deadline Do you think the Oilers are better after their trade deadline moves? | ||
| Yes | 440 | 60.4 % |
| No | 289 | 39.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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