Being in the chase is enough
Unlike the boo-birds who think the NHL is a cake-walk, the parity in the league is unprecedented. The rising stars are changing the game and it's never easy to step onto an NHL ice and take down an opponent. Frankly it would be terribly boring. Furthermore, these guys are having ups and downs with injury. One of the league's very best is injured, but the good news is, he will be back.
Oilers have a tough schedule for the next few games to end the month, against the Lightning, Mammoth, Knights, Ducks, Kraken. These five games should decide playoff position. Cheer these guys on, ONE GAME AT A TIME. And stop complaining. Let them play.
Oilers need to see some breakout performances.
1. Matt Savoie
2. Josh Samanski
3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
4. Evan Bouchard
5. Conner Ingram
Obviously the Captain shows up for every contest. McDavid has one gear, full speed ahead. The team cannot sit back and watch the way he plays, they have to match his fire and puck-savvy play.
It's there. You see it several times per game. Hyman for instance knows how to play with McDavid. Expect a surprise. That's the way to play with McDavid. Always play position, pass accurately, and be prepared for a full speed backcheck.
Defense. No goaltender in the NHL gets to control the defensive zone. They get to control the paint. The defense has to tighten the perimeter around Ingram. There have been fewer defensive lapses in the past month, but it's game up and game down.
In my opinion, they have improved the perimeter and reduced the incidents of two and three on ones, or, even better, reduced the number of breakaways. I give Coffey credit for coaching them into a more defensive-minded play in the month of March. This would be my focus to the end of March. Defense. Given defense, Ingram will have the chance to raise his save percentage.
As for the future. The playoffs. Let's get there first. Then worry about the Second Season.
