Edmonton Oilers: A Season of Ups and Downs

A Strong Start, a Coaching Change, and a Resurgent Finish

The Edmonton Oilers have had a tumultuous 2022-23 season, marked by both highs and lows. The team started the season with a strong 3-1-0 record, but then stumbled to a 3-9-1 mark in their next 13 games, leading to the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson on November 29, 2022.

Zach Hyman's Personal Best and McDavid's Historic Mark

Despite the team's early struggles, individual players have continued to shine. Zach Hyman set a personal best with 54 goals, finishing as the team's leading scorer. Connor McDavid, the Oilers' captain and reigning Hart Trophy winner, also had a standout season, becoming the fourth player since the 1990-91 campaign to record at least 120 points.

A Turnaround Under Woodcroft's Replacement

After Woodcroft's dismissal, the Oilers hired Ken Hitchcock as interim head coach. Under Hitchcock, the team has shown some signs of improvement, going 19-12-3 in their last 34 games. However, the Oilers still sit outside the playoff picture with a 31-31-8 record, and their chances of making the postseason appear slim.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The Oilers have a number of key decisions to make in the offseason, including whether or not to retain Hitchcock as head coach permanently. They will also need to address their defensive struggles, which have been a major factor in their disappointing season. Regardless of the outcome of the current season, the Oilers have a talented young core led by McDavid and Hyman, and they will be looking to bounce back strong in 2023-24.