There is no question that the Edmonton Oilers have been extremely inconsistent this season. The team has struggled to be consistent all season long and is fighting for a playoff spot in the worst division in the NHL. This team should have, hands down, been the easy Pacific Division winner, but that does not look likely.
With the frustrations around the team this year, the organization has decided to part ways with Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. For his replacement, the Oilers have brought in NHL veteran Coach Darryl Sutter.
Stan Bowman was asked about the intent behind the move and whether or not Sutter will be a fit with this offensively talented group, to which he replied:
Look we’ve seen Kris do what he could this season to stifle our offence and make it a challenge to build chemistry. But it clearly hasn’t gone far enough. Too much offensive freedom still, and that’s what Darryl will fix.
In order to convince Sutter to leave the family farm for the playoff run, it is rumoured that part of the agreement will allow Sutter to run practices from home.
Will he help the Oilers win in the upcoming playoffs?
Darryl Sutter brings in great experience
Darryl Sutter is well known for coaching tough, defensive-style teams. He is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Kings, where he won two Stanley Cups, one in 2012 and 2014. Sutter was part of a legendary time for the Kings organization. Players like Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar were in their prime, and Sutter was leading them to victory. Before his time in Los Angeles, Sutter spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and Calgary Flames coaching staff.
After the 2016–17 season, it looked like Sutter’s time as a coach may have been over. During the 2020–21 season, the Flames fired head coach Geoff Ward and brought back Sutter as his replacement. Sutter went on to have one of his best seasons with the Flames during the 2021–22 season, posting 50 wins and winning the Jack Adams Award. Unfortunately, this run came to an end against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Now, Sutter has joined the good side of Alberta, hoping to bring home the Stanley Cup.
When asked about changing sides in the Battle of Alberta, Sutter was blunt about his intentions.
Listen we got stomped in the playoffs by these guys back in ’22 and I admired what they were building. A Cup’s a Cup, Edmonton is close enough that I can bring it back to the family farm for the reunion this summer.
Will Sutter “toughen up” the Oilers?
The current situation the Oilers are in now is very similar to what the Vegas Golden Knights have gone through. Vegas brought in John Tortorella, while the Oilers have brought in Sutter. Both teams have tried to dig in and toughen up for the gruelling playoff run. Toughness was always a part of Sutter’s coaching style. He values being a defensive team that is never afraid to back down from a fight. It will be interesting to see how this works out, as the Oilers are such an offensive team.
When asked about how he will toughen up the team, Sutter was quick to reply.
Look we’ve seen this team get overwhelmed two straight years in the Stanley Cup Final. We need to battle back more. Not get beat up. I know I need some extra hands on the farm this summer and I think that’ll be the first step to toughening this group up.
The Oilers currently trail the Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division. They lead the Pacific in goals for with 258, but are only a +7 in goal differential. The offence is clearly not the issue with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way. Will bringing in a coach with more of a more defensive-minded system help the Oilers clean up their defensive play?
Happy April Fool’s!
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