Oilers Defenseman Reveals Strategies Implemented by New Coaching Staff Leading to Current Oilers Success
The addition of Oilers' iconic player Paul Coffey to their coaching staff in November sparked curiosity about how the Hall of Famer would influence the team's underperforming defense.
Ekholm Reveals Coffey's Coaching Strategies
The impact has been impressive so far. Following Coffey's inclusion, the Oilers boast a 6-3 record, with a noticeable improvement in defense. Mathias Ekholm recently shared insights into Coffey's coaching philosophy and its application:
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"What I really enjoy about him is he wants us to make plays," said Ekholm. "He wants us up in the rush, closing gaps, he wants us to give our forwards clear passes and not just flip it out when we're tired, even then he wants us to make plays and I really think that's the way to go. Sometimes that (making plays) gets lost."
With the Oilers' skilled forwards, Coffey's strategy of enabling puck-moving defensemen to connect with top-line stars or even fast players in the lower lines could significantly enhance their rush plays. The success of this approach hinges on the defensemen's composure - avoiding rushed clearances or inaccurate passes.
Paul Coffey's credentials as a coach, especially for defense, are indisputable. A four-time Stanley Cup winner, three times with the Oilers, and with an extraordinary 1531 points in 1409 career games, Coffey's expertise is invaluable. With him on the bench, the Oilers' defense is certainly in capable hands.
As seen on Oilers Daily - Ekholm reveals Paul Coffey's strategy with Oilers' Defence
| POLL | ||
2 DECEMBRE | 266 ANSWERS Oilers Defenseman Reveals Strategies Implemented by New Coaching Staff Leading to Current Oilers Success Do you think the Oilers are playing better since Jay Woodcroft was fired? | ||
| Yes | 201 | 75.6 % |
| No | 65 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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