Oilers GM Stan Bowman Addresses Team Response to Zadorov Checking Stuart Skinner
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman spoke with the media in mid-season check up, and addressed multiple issues including the team's lack of response to Nikita Zadorov checking Stuart Skinner.
Last night, longtime Oilers rival Nikita Zadorov skated full speed into goaltender Stuart Skinner, who was briefly pulled from the game by concussion spotters.
There was practically no response from the Edmonton Oilers, which drew some significant criticism from fans for breaking hockey's code.
However, Stan Bowman told Sportsnet in a new interview there was more that occurred than fans were able to see on the broadcast.
»Well, nothing was done in terms of jumping Zadorov, but there were things done. Messages sent that maybe don't always show up on TV, but if you're at the game and you were watching some of our players, there really was (a response). I would say that there was a response, but the biggest thing was to make sure that we continue to play our game and not get out of a rhythm.»
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
Bowman seems to be hinting at things that potentially occurred in between commercial breaks, or chirps on the ice. He's also right to point out that the Oilers' most meaningful response is dominating the Bruins and winning 4-0.
Do the Edmonton Oilers need more toughness before the playoffs?
The Zadorov play is raising questions about the Oilers ability to hang with tough teams and respond physically, which will become critical in the playoffs.
The Oilers are currently last place in the NHL in hits, while their playoff foe Florida Panthers are currently 1st in the league. Hitting surely isn't the be all and end all of success, but Edmonton will need to ramp up to match the competition soon.
Insider Bob Stauffer has previously hinted that the Oilers could pursue a tough bottom six forward in trade, but GM Stan Bowman reiterated the team will most likely be acquiring a defenceman instead.
Based on his responses, it doesn't seem Bowman is prioritizing toughness in the lineup.
»So to your question specifically, no, I don't think there's been a big sea change in expectations of what we need or what we might be doing.»
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
Oilers fans surely would've liked to see more of a physical response after such an aggressive play on the goaltender, but winning 4-0 and being on top of the NHL is a much better goal - and Edmonton is achieving it.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 8 | 179 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman Addresses Team Response to Zadorov Checking Stuart Skinner Do you think the Oilers need to add more toughness in trade this season? | ||
| Yes | 152 | 84.9 % |
| No | 27 | 15.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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