Woody Wake Up

Team: 2023-24 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 22, 2023

Published: Oct. 23, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I am far from the biggest Woodcroft fan and unfortunately his performance to start the season has only worsened things. Here's why:

1. Constantly messing with the line combos! No line has been given any sort of runway, just immediately fire up the blender.

2. Overplaying 97 & 29 .... and by contrast underplaying the bottom six and furthermore worsening the usage disparity. Why are these guys leading the team in 5v5, PP and PK time ... it's a team game and the other players need to contribute. You can't be expected to be at your best when you play every situation and get the toughest matchups, it's no wonder 29 got beat in OT against WPG the guy hardly left the ice. Furthermore why aren't the Oil using their bottom six players on the kill, I could stomach Janmark breaking his hand blocking a shot much better then McDavid doing the same ...

3. Accountability ...... certain veterans 25, 13 and others are given much more leash than others. Case and point 13 takes two bone head minors in the game against WPG and didn't miss a shift. This includes the Powerplay, far too often to start the year its been lack luster but no changes, 90 seconds to the full 2 min. At some point a message needs to be sent... Unit #1 is sucking, ok lets start Unit #2 even just to turn up the heat on the bench.

4. Faceoffs ... Oilers are getting killed on the draws in every zone. Such a killer when you always start the play chasing.

5. 11&7 ..... This is more of a personal bone because when I played Junior nothing drove me crazier than when our coaching staff inserted an extra into our Defensive rotation. You and your partner know and understand each other, there is a connection that allows you to be successful. I'd accept it if the staff rolled the 3 forward lines and 3 main defensive lines but they don't, its just blender at all times. Sadly until a trade is made or someone goes on LTIR we are stuck with the 11&7, as they won't waive Janmark or Vinny. Broberg could be a casualty (in fact I assume thats what is coming in order to recall a FWD).

The Oilers are once again far to reliant upon the 97 / 29 Magic, without their contributions the generate next to nothing and are being caved in defensively. And the way I am seeing these games its very apparent that the support players feel the need to run every play through one of 97 or 29. Players are forcing passes and its causing turnovers and breakdowns when a tiny bit of selfish play would be the right play. Too make matters worse if and when they are able to find 97 or 29 they sit back to enjoy the show, way too many passengers not enough drivers.
The issues are cyclical and I need to give Woodcroft that, hard to reward when players X, Y and Z are all messing up but conversely hard to make plays when you don't see the ice whether it be PP, PK or 5v5.

Losing McDavid is not a blessing in disguise, don't listen to anyone that suggests that, my only hope is that Woody stops over burdening his top guys and utilizes the entire roster. Build some lines (see below) and run with them, if they need work tweak don't blow up all 4 lines. Also reward those players who've actually come to play this season (55 & 37) with some ice-time (PK???)