The Edmonton Oilers Have Embraced Team Defense

2 years ago  /  Kuklas Korner

from Mark Spector of Sportsnet


Nobody wanted to hear it. But everyone wants to see it.

What is one of the main reasons the Edmonton Oilers are suddenly a structured, defensively stout team that has given up just eight goals — just three at five-on-five — in running Jay Woodcroft’s record to 5-0?

Well, let's ask the coach.

“I think it's contagious, first of all,” Woodcroft said after a 4-2 win in Winnipeg Saturday afternoon. “When some of the best hockey players in the world are working their way back into their own end with a type of relentlessness and attention to detail, I think the rest of the team follows suit.”

Woodcroft was asked by reporters in Winnipeg about Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, whose defensive games have found a new level under their new coach.

“Those two are leaders on our team, so I think it’s a good sign when they’re leading the way,” Woodcroft said. “By committing to the defensive side of the puck, I really liked the way we played the game five on five tonight. I thought it was very detailed.”

That’s the thing about leaders. They come with followers.


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