Spending time in Edmonton recently has offered a unique perspective, especially with the abundance of unsolicited advice pouring in from helpful hockey fans everywhere.
We`ve heard insightful commentary, like the gentleman from Calgary explaining the true significance of the fourth playoff round. Who knew?
A reader from Toronto offered valuable insights on roster construction and managing the salary cap. Taking notes!
And a Canucks supporter provided expert analysis on team chemistry, confidently stating that Connor McDavid`s leadership is clearly waning. Such wisdom!
Truly, where would the Edmonton Oilers be without this guidance from such esteemed, qualified sources?
Apparently, despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final two years in a row, the consensus from afar is that the Oilers are fundamentally not a good team. To get the official perspective, we attended the end-of-season press conference featuring Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman and Head Coach Kris Knoblauch.
Our main objective: to understand their strategy for fixing this supposedly flawed team next season, particularly in the hypothetical scenario where McDavid, according to persistent rumors, departs for Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, New York, Tampa Bay, or Boston.
The Goaltending Situation
Addressing GM Bowman, we pointed out that for consecutive Stanley Cup Final runs, the Oilers` goaltending seemed to be second-best compared to their opponent. What steps does a general manager take to address this?
“I was kind of expecting that question,” Bowman replied, seemingly anticipating the topic. He largely agreed with the premise, noting realistically, you can`t “just go down to the corner and pick up an elite goalie. They`re not just waiting to join your team, right?”
He has a point. Even potential future stars, like Karel Vejmelka from Utah or Dustin Wolf from Calgary, wouldn`t be easily acquired; the GM who traded them away would likely be quickly dismissed.
To acquire an truly elite netminder, Bowman suggested, you often need to obtain them before their elite status is widely recognized, citing the Florida Panthers` acquisition of Sergei Bobrovsky from Columbus as an example.
“Goaltending is a strange part of the game,” Bowman admitted, drawing on his experience winning Cups in Chicago with Antti Niemi and Corey Crawford – neither of whom are considered Hall of Famers. “On one hand, it`s simultaneously the most important thing, but also the hardest thing to really understand.”
He then defended the team`s performance in net during the playoffs. “In three of the four rounds, we had better goaltending than our opponent. (Darcy) Kuemper, Adin Hill and (Jake) Oettinger – our goalies were better than them in each of those series.”
Based on performance data, he`s not incorrect.
Bowman concluded on the point: “But then in the Final, it flipped.”
The implication is clear: while the Oilers` goaltending was sufficient, and often superior, through the earlier rounds, it wasn`t enough against the final opponent. This leaves the position as a significant area for evaluation and potential change heading into the off-season.
Roster Depth Considerations
Beyond the crease, the conversation touched upon the need for increased roster depth. A team aiming for a championship needs reliable contributors throughout the lineup, not just from its star players. Bowman acknowledged that building a deep roster within salary cap constraints is an ongoing challenge, particularly for teams with high-salaried foundational players like the Oilers.
Finding effective players for the third and fourth lines, as well as dependable depth defensemen, is crucial for surviving the grind of an 82-game season and multiple playoff rounds. These players often provide crucial energy, defensive responsibility, and timely contributions that don`t always show up on the scoresheet but are vital to team success.
The off-season provides an opportunity to explore free agency and trades to fill these gaps. Bowman will need to be strategic and perhaps creative to add quality depth without compromising the team`s core or future flexibility.
Looking Ahead to the Off-Season
As the Oilers enter the off-season, Stan Bowman faces the complex task of refining a team that has come close to the ultimate goal but fallen short. Addressing the goaltending tandem and enhancing overall roster depth appear to be his top priorities. The availability of suitable players, the realities of the salary cap, and the potential for external noise and speculation will all factor into his decisions.
Despite the outside critiques and rumors, the Oilers organization, led by Bowman and Knoblauch, seems focused on making calculated improvements to take the final step towards a Stanley Cup championship.
