Connor vs Connor, Bouchard, The Third Line, and the Coaching Change
Will tonight's one-on-one matchup live up to the hype?
In today’s Edmonton Oilers update, the highly-anticipated matchup between Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard takes place Tuesday night. Meanwhile, we look back at the coaching change and the team’s seven-game winning streak.
Also, how good is the third line playing for the Oilers, and what was the turnaround for Evan Bouchard?
Connor vs. Connor – NHL’s Current Superstar Meets His Successor
December 12, 2023 by Hunter Crowther
It’s not often you see generational talents face off, but hockey fans will be spoiled on Dec. 12 when the Edmonton Oilers and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Connor McDavid take on 2023 No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard and his Chicago Blackhawks at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alta.
Let’s take a look at these two “Next Ones” and what to expect heading into the first matchup between the two.
Oilers’ Controversial Coaching Change Proving to Be Right Move
December 12, 2023 by Brian Swane
It’s exactly one month since the Edmonton Oilers relieved head coach Jay Woodcroft of his duties, replacing him with Kris Knoblauch. When Woodcroft was shown the door on Nov. 12, the Oilers sat 31st in the NHL overall standings, with just seven points from a record of 3-9-1. Edmonton was second from last in the Western Conference, and already eight points back of a wild card playoff spot.
Following the coaching change, the Oilers have won nine of 12 games, including their last seven, and are unbeaten at home. They’ve climbed several spots in the standings and are now within three points of the last wild card spot.
Oilers’ Coaching Staff Placing Trust in the 3rd Line
December 11, 2023 by Rob Couch
The Edmonton Oilers have recovered from a disastrous start to the 2023-24 season. The team is now .500 for the first time, thanks to many factors. Coaches Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey have done a great job, positively impacting all areas of the team, but it was about time that the third line played a major role and stepped up.
Oilers’ Bouchard Silencing Early-Season Critics With Recent Play
December 11, 2023 by Sean Panganiban
When the Edmonton Oilers faced early-season struggles, it was as if Murphy’s Law was in full effect — anything that could go wrong, did. Connor McDavid looked just “normal” and not like his usual dominant self, some questioned if Leon Draisaitl lost his one-timer in the summer and every mistake led to a goal against and it seemed like the fan base wanted a complete roster overhaul.
The Oilers have turned the page from their brutal start, but it was easy to get into that mindset of “trade everyone” because the team did not look good at all and one player who faced tons of heat early on was Evan Bouchard, to the point where some in Oil Country were calling for his departure via trade. It seemed like every bad pinch he made and every defensive zone turnover ended up in the back of the Oilers’ net and he was the poster boy of the “whatever could go wrong, went wrong” statement.
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