The thing that was most apparent in this series for me, is how badly Woodcroft was outcoached by Cassidy. Cassidy spread his talent out, line matched almost perfectly, and stuck to the plan.
The Knights were able to adjust and employ sound defensive tactics, like in game 5 where they were able to pin the Oilers in their zone and kept the puck mostly behind the goal line most of the time. They weren't tempted to create scoring chances and risk losing possession. It's hard to imagine the Oilers playing with a bigger picture mindset. They only have one strategy, and that is to try an score at all costs. It also looked like Vegas capitalized a few times on what appeared to be set plays. With the Oilers, it's just a frantic mess hoping that Draisaitl or McDavid can do their thing.
I would actually be a little bothered if the Oilers got rid of Woodcroft and hired a coach that knows how to do more than just rely on the wonder boys and hope they pull though every time. Then again, I get the sense that those two might just be uncoachable anyway.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
|