Oilers fans basking in Leafs fans nightmare

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Ryan Hall
January 17, 2024 (6:18 PM)

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The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster for both the Maple Leafs and the Oilers as both teams seem to be heading in different directions. As the Oilers continued to settle into the systems of coach Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey, the better the team is becoming, and the stats are showing the change.

After the Oilers defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2 last night, it's clear the Oilers are enjoying this coaching change while the Maple Leafs are looking for answers as they continue to fall in the standings on the verge of being knocked out of a position in the playoffs.

Having completed their 11th win in a row, it's incredible to think how fast the Oilers turn things around after being in the basement of the NHL less than two months ago. Knoblauch and Coffey have found the right mix for their players and gave the culture that allowed the Oilers to calm their nerves and play the game they love.

With everything less tense, it gave goaltender Stuart Skinner the chance to settle into his role and he is emerging as one of the best goaltenders in the Western Conference.

On the flip side, the Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing to spiral downward as head coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff cannot seem to find the right mix of players to make consistent lines. The team cannot keep a lead and over the last four games they have blown multiple goal leads that is unacceptable and dangerous for the teams playoff chances.

Of course, people will say it's just a blip, but only winning four regulation wins in their last 14 is a terrible indication that the Leafs are in dire straits which gives Oilers fans a chance to smile.

As the Leafs continue to scramble, the Oilers can sit back and enjoy what they've accomplished while keeping their foot on the gas and staying with the task at hand.