Well here is a blog I wasn't expecting to be typing up today. It appears that Dave Tippett has had enough sunshine and has decided to come back to the show. Ken Holland announced this morning that the former coach would be returning to the Edmonton Oilers and would be available for the game tonight. Here is what Holland had to say about the decision:
"As I said before, I was prepared to give Dave Tippett an extension prior to that string of losses we had back in December and January but now that the team is winning again it just made sense to bring back a veteran voice to the locker room."
There are not exact numbers out but it appears that Tippett will be extended by the Edmonton Oilers on a two year deal with a contract between 3 and 4 million per season.
Dave Tippett had a brief chat with the media and here are a few cliff notes of what we should expect tonight for the lineup:
Draisaitl-McDavid-Kassian Kane-RNH-Archibald Hyman-Brassard-Shore McLeod-Shore-Yamamoto
Nurse-Barrie Keith-Ceci Shore-Kulak
- Puljujarvi in the press box
- Mike Smith will start and in Anaheim and in San Jose and in LA and against Colorado.
For fans of Woodcroft, it does seem that Woodcroft will still stay up in Edmonton, albeit as an associate coach though it does look like Dave Manson will be returning to Bakersfield. Taking charge of the defense in Edmonton will be former Oiler and Hall of Fame defenseman, Paul Coffey. Coffey has spent a fair amount of time around the team as of late and it looks like the next role for him will be coaching this Oilers defensive group. Here is what Holland had to say about that.
"Back in Detroit there were a number of Hall of Fame players that I drafted and went on to do great things and Paul is cut from the same cloth. If you look at the record book that says it all. I have no doubt that Paul will bring a veteran voice and his record book abilities to our team."
When asked about his promotion, Paul Coffey had this to say.
"It was quite unexpected. I just liked coming to the arena and taking walks around the place. I had a clipboard in my hands and I was writing ideas for my screenplay. Suddenly Kenny comes in and gives me this Oilers jacket and a few million dollars so that was neat."
Some fans will be wary of these additions but the thing you must remember about the Oilers is they have been going against analytics and logic for years and look where that has got them. You simply need to trust the process and be patient. This team's window to win will be coming any year now.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the game tonight. Happy April 1st.