Examining the coaching staff and their strategies is an intriguing aspect of a seven-game series against a formidable opponent. Observing how they deploy players and adapt their tactics based on the game's developments can provide valuable insights.
During Game 3 of the Edmonton-Dallas series, the Dallas Stars' coaching staff showcased their expertise by making subtle adjustments to their team's playing style, ultimately altering the course of the game and potentially the entire series. Unfortunately for Edmonton Oilers fans, these changes resulted in a 5-3 loss, leaving them trailing 2-1 in the series. Let's delve into what exactly changed and why.
The Dallas Stars implemented a tactical maneuver known as the weakside stretch play, which had a significant impact on the game. Attending the game in person allowed me to witness elements that may not have been captured by the camera. The Oilers displayed brilliance in the first period, leading 2-0. However, the Stars' adjustment altered the game's dynamics. It's worth noting that this tactic was not new, as we discussed it after Game 1.
In essence, the Stars consistently sent their weak-side forward charging up the ice, aiming to catch the Oilers' defense off guard and create scoring opportunities or open up space in the neutral zone for a swift exit. In Game 1, this strategy was less effective due to the Oilers' defense playing a softer weakside defense and their high forward being vigilant, swiftly returning to the middle of the ice during transitions to neutralize the attack. However, in the recent game, the Oilers struggled to counter this tactic effectively, which ultimately played a pivotal role in their defeat.
To better understand the impact of the weakside stretch play on the Oilers, let's examine a clip that exemplifies its effect.
In this particular scenario, Darnell Nurse demonstrates his offensive capabilities by joining the attack up the ice. However, he quickly adjusts his position when he anticipates that Dallas will regain possession of the puck. The reason for this can be seen in the initial freeze frame, as Dallas has sent a player towards the Oilers' defensive blue line.
Although Connor McDavid was in a favorable position, Nurse perhaps overreacted in this situation. He could have remained involved in the play and applied pressure to try and regain possession of the puck. Unfortunately, he did not do so, largely due to Dallas consistently pressuring him throughout the second period. To make matters worse, Nurse's defensive positioning was inadequate, especially considering that McDavid was providing back pressure. Essentially, he allowed the Stars' attacker to freely advance towards the net, resulting in a scoring opportunity.
I was not pleased with Nurse's ability to maintain proper defensive positioning last night, and this particular play exemplifies that. However, it all began with Dallas dictating the flow of the game by stretching their forward, which forced the Oilers to react accordingly.
It is also worth examining the game-winning goal. The play starts with the Oilers entering the offensive zone, and Leon Draisaitl does a commendable job covering the top as the third forward (F3). Cody Ceci successfully wins the battle along the boards, but the puck eventually returns to the same side. This is where Draisaitl makes a mistake. Instead of maintaining a safe position above the play when Ceci goes to pinch, he charges towards the puck carrier, resulting in a breakout opportunity for the Stars.
Once again, it all begins with the Stars stretching their weak side forward, who directs the puck towards the lower part of the ice. This initiates the Stars' offensive attack. In this instance, the Oilers manage to recover, to some extent, but they fail to form a tight defensive structure. Take a look at the freeze frame. Draisaitl is positioned above the puck instead of below it, either in the slot or in front of the net. As for Darnell Nurse, I am genuinely unsure of his intentions. In this case, he should have been on the strong side, as there was no Stars player in his vicinity. Unfortunately, the puck ends up deep in the Dallas zone.
The Nurse and Draisaitl were slow to react, resulting in a game-changing moment. The Stars capitalized on their tactical counter, consistently utilizing their weakside forward to create scoring opportunities that the Oilers failed to contain.
Defensive Zone Troubles
While the Stars played well, the Oilers also displayed defensive weaknesses. This was evident in the game-winning goal and other instances where defensive lapses led to goals against. For example, in the second goal against, the Oilers were initially in a good position to defend but failed to cover the weak side, allowing the Stars to capitalize. Additionally, in the first goal against, defensive errors by Nugent-Hopkins and McDavid proved costly, highlighting the Oilers' struggles in clearing the puck and maintaining defensive assignments.
After playing some of their best defensive zone hockey in the first two games, I thought game three looked a lot like some games against Vancouver. Loose zone play, lack of composure and inability to exit the zone all combined to cause troubles for the Oilers.
The Oilers’ defence with the exception of the first pair and Brett Kulak were a train wreck last night. Again, we have highlighted a lot of their challenges above, but even on simple plays, they failed to execute to take the pressure off. Darnell Nurse, Cody Ceci and Vinny Desharnais were very poor all night. Here is just one clip that emphasizes the night. Desharnais with lots of time and a couple of options fails to get the puck up the ice. Instead, he turns it over to the Dallas Star player. As soon as he did that, the Stars were on the attack with massive space in the zone. For certain, the Oilers forwards needed to support the play better. However, this was a very simple NHL hockey play and Vinny Desharnais failed to make it. It cost his team a goal.
Nurse, Ceci, and Desharnais were all poor. I am not sure how the team can go forward with this group. They could play 11-7 and bring Broberg in or simply replace someone with Broberg, but the Oilers defence group is not getting it done.
The Posiives
Going into Game 4, the Oilers do need to regroup. However, they have something to build off of. The Stars are effectively playing four defencemen. Last night, the four were ok, but they were susceptible to pressure from players. The Oilers forechecked very hard in the first period, but took their foot off the pedal the remaining two periods except in spots. They can be exposed because they are playing a lot of minutes. Watch the Oilers’ third goal and look at Warren Foegele’s forecheck, but also how the Dallas defenseman makes a very soft play trying to avoid contact. The result of a very good forecheck was a goal for the Oilers.
The Oilers also need to exit the zone better because there is loose play by the Stars. Again, because the Stars are playing an aggressive forecheck, there is open ice available for the attack. Watch this very simple play by Dylan Holloway that led to the Oilers’ first goal. He scans the ice and sees the check coming and where the Oiler players are. He knows Kane will be streaking on the weakside. It’s a very effective play that gets the Oilers on the offence. Definitely some good luck in the Dallas defender dropping his stick, but the ice was there to be attacked.
