There should be more physicality in the Edmonton Oilers’ games.
Introduction
In the modern era of hockey, the Edmonton Oilers are widely recognized for their offensive prowess, particularly with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. These players have the skill and vision to control the game in ways few can match. However, despite the undeniable talent at their disposal, the Oilers’ success has often been hindered by a lack of physicality, both in terms of defensive play and in engaging opponents physically when necessary. In a sport like hockey, where the grind of the game is as much about skill as it is about grit, the Oilers’ focus on finesse has sometimes been seen as a limitation, especially when facing teams that play a more aggressive, physical style.
In this essay, I will explore the arguments for why the Edmonton Oilers should integrate more physicality into their game. We will look at the importance of physical play in both offensive and defensive contexts, how physicality can protect skilled players, and how the Oilers can strike a balance between skill and aggression to create a more well-rounded, competitive team.
1. The Importance of Physicality in Hockey
Hockey, at its core, is a contact sport. The physicality of the game can dictate the pace and control of the match. Whether it’s creating space for skill players, intimidating the opposition, or simply preventing opposing players from getting comfortable, physicality plays a major role in how the game unfolds.
A. The Role of Physicality in Defense Physical defense isn’t just about throwing checks. It’s about disrupting the opposition’s flow, creating turnovers, and asserting control in the defensive zone. The Oilers, while boasting offensive defensemen, have often been criticized for soft play in their own end. A more physical defensive game can help neutralize opponents, win puck battles along the boards, and reduce the amount of quality scoring chances.
B. Physicality in Offensive Zone Play In the offensive zone, physicality allows for players to create more opportunities. A heavy forecheck forces the opposing defensemen to make quicker decisions, possibly leading to mistakes. By creating traffic in front of the net and using the body to maintain possession along the boards, physical play can complement skilled puck movement, allowing the Oilers’ playmakers to capitalize on mistakes or find open lanes for shots.
2. The Benefits of Physicality in Protecting Skilled Players
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are two of the most skilled players in the league, but they are also high-value targets for opposing teams. Physical play is essential in protecting these stars, as they are often the focus of opponents’ defensive strategies.
A. Protecting McDavid and Draisaitl from Cheap Shots When skill players such as McDavid skate through traffic or challenge defenders one-on-one, they expose themselves to physicality, sometimes in the form of dangerous hits or cheap shots. Without a physical presence around them, McDavid and Draisaitl could become targets for opposition players looking to send a message or take them out of the game. A physical team that stands up for its stars can deter these types of hits and ensure the Oilers’ stars have the space and protection they need to operate at their highest level.
B. Creating Space for the Stars For players like McDavid and Draisaitl, physicality can also come in the form of creating space. Having teammates who are willing to deliver hits and engage physically allows the skill players to focus on their craft without worrying about getting hit behind the play. The opposition will often be less aggressive when they know that a big hit could come their way as a countermeasure.
3. How Physicality Can Improve Team Depth and Balance
A team that is both skilled and physical presents a more complete and formidable challenge for opponents. For the Oilers, this balance is crucial to reaching their potential as a Stanley Cup contender.
A. Giving Depth Players an Identity In the absence of a physical game, depth players may struggle to stand out or be utilized effectively. By incorporating more physicality into the game, the Oilers’ bottom-six forwards can carve out an identity and contribute in different ways beyond just offensive output. Players like Zack Kassian and Evander Kane bring physical elements to the team, and their effectiveness increases when they are empowered to play a more aggressive, physical role. This opens up more room for skilled players to focus on their strengths while providing toughness on the ice.
B. Complementing the Power Play A more physically assertive team can also make its power play more effective. For instance, creating traffic in front of the opposing goaltender, along with battling in the corners, can lead to second-chance opportunities and a more dangerous power play. When opponents are forced to defend against the physicality of the Oilers, they are more likely to take penalties, creating more opportunities for the team’s power-play specialists to capitalize on.
4. Learning from Other Teams: The Impact of Physical Play in the NHL
Looking around the league, it’s clear that physicality plays a crucial role in championship-caliber teams. While offensive skill is important, teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, and St. Louis Blues have shown that a balanced approach, which includes a blend of skill and toughness, is often what wins the Stanley Cup.
A. Tampa Bay Lightning The Lightning, while known for their skill, have players like Pat Maroon, Blake Coleman, and Barclay Goodrow who bring physicality to the lineup. These players, along with their ability to execute in the clutch, contribute to the team’s balanced approach, allowing them to not only out-skill opponents but also outwork and outmuscle them when necessary.
B. St. Louis Blues (2019 Stanley Cup Champion) The 2019 St. Louis Blues are another example of a team that relied on physicality to complement their skill. Players like Alexander Steen, Ryan O’Reilly, and David Perron were key contributors to the Blues’ physical style of play, which helped wear down opponents in a long playoff run. Their combination of grit and skill made them a nightmare matchup for teams like the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final.
C. Boston Bruins The Bruins are another team that thrives with a mix of skill and physical play. Players like Brad Marchand, David Krejci, and Charlie McAvoy embody a mix of toughness and playmaking ability that allows them to succeed both in regular-season matchups and in the intensity of the postseason. The Bruins’ ability to dominate physically without sacrificing their skill-based game is something the Oilers could benefit from emulating.
5. How the Oilers Can Incorporate More Physicality into Their Game
It is not enough to simply say that the Oilers should play a more physical game; the team needs a strategy to implement and maintain it effectively. Here are a few ways the Oilers can develop a more physical game plan:
A. Building a Tougher Bottom Six One of the most obvious places to add physicality is in the bottom six forwards. Players like Evander Kane, Zack Kassian, and Klim Kostin provide that physical edge, but the Oilers could look to further improve their depth in this area by acquiring more players who bring a physical presence while also being capable of chipping in offensively. A fourth line that can impose its will on the opposition can make all the difference.
B. Defenders Who Can Move the Puck but Also Deliver Hits Edmonton’s defense corps has several players who excel at moving the puck, but physicality is an area that could be addressed. Defenders like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci can play with an edge, but integrating more defenders who can both defend physically and keep the puck moving would add another layer to their play.
C. Coaching and Philosophy Head coach Jay Woodcroft and his staff could place more emphasis on physicality as a strategic element of the team’s overall identity. This would involve implementing drills that focus on board play, puck battles, and positioning in the defensive zone, all while maintaining the team’s fast-paced style of play. It’s about striking a balance between grit and skill.
While the Edmonton Oilers are undoubtedly one of the most skilled teams in the NHL, incorporating more physicality into their game would provide the balance needed to compete at the highest level, particularly in the postseason. Physical play can help protect their superstars, create more offensive opportunities, and allow them to compete with teams that use grit to their advantage. As the NHL continues to evolve, the Oilers must evolve with it by creating a team that is not only dynamic and skilled but also tough, resilient, and ready to win in the corners and along the boards. With the right mix of skill and physicality, the Edmonton Oilers can finally realize their full potential as a championship contender.