During a media scrum, Ekholm explains that the Oilers have become more accountable and fields that coffee is one of the main reasons for the defensive turn around. He explains that he brings excitement to come to the rink and all seven defensemen have bought in to what he's teaching.
The Oilers winning streak has been rather impressive as the team has found that consistency that's been lacking over the past season.
The Oilers have been beating their opponents by a wide margin at times and have found the back of the net often.
But as the streak has continued, their goals against have improved dramatically as they have outscored their opponent 25-10 and have gained more confidence with every passing game.
One of Coffey's methods was mentioned by Louie Debrusk and Jack Micheals where defenseman Troy Stetcher explained that coffee has set up an area in the lunchroom that only defensemen were allowed to sit and talk.
Stetcher joked that only one forward has been able to enter this area which is Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl.
It was clear last season that Coffey was the key member in the Oilers turn around when they had their slow start which led to the firing of Jay Woodcroft. The Oilers became a great defensive team and it seems that after some changes and time, the Oilers have regained that composure as they are now a + 13 in goal differential this season.
Coffey's resume speaks for itself as he was one of the best defensemen in the NHL of all time. He was selected by the Oilers in 1980, first round 6th overall with his career stretching from 1980 all the way to 2001.
During that time, he won 4 Stanley cups between the Edmonton Oilers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he won the Norris trophy three times.
With the Oilers climbing in the standings and their defensive game rounding into shape, it's safe to say Coffey is still one of the best weapons the Oilers have in their arsenal.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 218 ANSWERS Oilers Defence Coach Paul Coffey Bans All Forwards But One From Exclusive Club Do you think Oilers Paul Coffey is the best additions to the team in the last two years? | ||
Yes | 198 | 90.8 % |
No | 20 | 9.2 % |
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