The significantly enhanced penalty kill reflects the Oilers’ remarkable transformation.
Supporters of the Edmonton Oilers are accustomed to the usual ebbs and flows of a hockey season. However, the 2023-24 campaign has been unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed, propelling Oil fans from despondency at US Thanksgiving to the pinnacle of franchise and league records for wins, all while swiftly climbing the standings. And all of this before the mid-season All-Star break, which has now arrived.
It’s evident by now that the pivotal moment occurred on November 12, when coach Jay Woodcroft and defensive assistant Dave Manson were relieved of their duties, making way for a new coaching duo with contrasting backgrounds. Kris Knoblauch, former coach of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, was appointed as the new head coach, while franchise icon Paul Coffey was introduced as the defensive coach. As far as I know, the two hadn’t even met prior to the press conference announcing their hiring. This marked a significant departure from the previous regime, where Woodcroft and Manson had worked together for years with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield and had even brought two young defensemen with them to Edmonton.
The coaching change appeared to be a move born out of desperation, prompted by the Oilers’ faltering start that saw them tied for last place in the entire NHL after a defeat in San Jose in Game 12, sealing Woodcroft’s fate. The team struggled to generate offense or make crucial saves, and their special teams were also underperforming.
Of particular concern was the penalty kill unit, which allowed a staggering 15 goals during the departing staff’s 13-game tenure. I’m sure I wasn’t the only observer wondering, “Paul Coffey is going to fix the penalty kill? Well, let’s see how that goes.”
