This time last year, the Edmonton Oilers fired Jay Woodcroft
This time last year, the Oilers parted ways with former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, hiring Kris Knoblauch as his successor.
After the Oilers historically bad 3-9-1 start last year, it became clear that the organization needed a new voice behind the bench.
As per Oilers Nation, by the time the Oilers played their 14th game in the 2023-24 season, they had already fired head coach Jay Woodcroft, replacing him with Kris Knoblauch, with that game being his first behind Edmonton's bench as they beat the New York Islanders 4-1.
That win boosted the Oilers points percentage to a still-measley .321, with a 4-9-1 record.
The 2024-25 season hasn't started well for the Oilers. Based on vibes alone, it really feels like the team is in a similar spot they were last year.
When analyzing the Oilers play so far, the team seems to be struggling in virtually every single statistical category.
From 5v5 play, special teams, defence, and goaltending, the Edmonton Oilers are in huge need of a wakeup call.
With that being said, the area that seems to be most concerning is the penalty kill, which is currently ranked dead last in the NHL (32nd).
As Oilers Nation states, their issues are fixable. It's not like the team who made it to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals just forgot how to do all the things that got them there.
The power play will improve. The shooting percentages will increase. The goalies will make saves on the penalty kill.
Patience is a virtue at this time of year.
| POLL | ||
Do you think firing former head coach Jay Woodcroft was the right decision? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 58.2 % |
| No | 56 | 41.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
