Ex-Oilers Head Coach Shares Surprising Truth

Caleb Kerney

Apr 30, 2024, 13:38

Caleb Kerney

Apr 30, 2024, 13:38

The former head coach of the Edmonton Oilers made an appearance on a podcast and revealed some interesting information.

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports - Ex-Oilers Head Coach Shares Surprising Truth

EDMONTON -- Early on the in the season, the Edmonton Oilers made a coaching change.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5It5-Chbqa4[/embed]

Out of office went Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson, and in came Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey. Despite the amount of winning Woodcroft had done with the Oilers prior to the 2023-24 season, the team's 3-9-1 record under his guidance proved to be the nail in the coffin.

Fast forward to today and the Oilers have the potential to close out their first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings - for the third consecutive post season.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O22h5IkJroM[/embed]

Many credit Knoblauch and his focus on defensive details as a primary reason for the Oilers turnaround this season. Many of the Oilers were not playing their best hockey when Woodcroft was still behind the bench - and those players finally got their games together after Woodcroft had parted from the organization.

Now fresh off of the announcement of becoming an assistant coach for team Canada at the World Championships, Woodcroft made an appearance on a recent podcast.

On the Real Kyper & Bourne podcast, Woodcroft was asked about his thoughts on the Oilers post season performance so far. His answer reveals the mindset he's had since November, "I haven't watched much of the Edmonton Oilers since I was let go there in November. It was a choice I made."

"I spent more time studying the league and studying trends that are occurring in the league."

At first glance this will be surprising to some - but if you really think about it this makes a lot of sense. When a person is let go, your first inclination is to typically not hang out at your old place of work. Typically you would like some distance - and it seems like that was a conscious decision on Woodcroft's part.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkXS0RC2o7g[/embed]

Subscribe to Inside the Locker Room for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.