{"id":78190,"date":"2020-06-15T17:28:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-15T21:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=78190"},"modified":"2020-06-16T23:10:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-17T03:10:42","slug":"playoff-outlook-for-dave-tippett-and-the-edmonton-oilers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/06\/15\/playoff-outlook-for-dave-tippett-and-the-edmonton-oilers\/","title":{"rendered":"Playoff Outlook for Dave Tippett and the Edmonton Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>, a playoff berth is not just about having the chance to compete for a Stanley Cup, it is also the opportunity to establish some legitimacy and recognition. It would also do wonders for head coach Dave Tippett<\/a> in his case for the Jack Adams Award.<\/p>\n

Playoff Outlook for Dave Tippett and the Edmonton Oilers<\/h2>\n

Since the magical playoff run in 2006, which saw the Oilers take their season all the way to Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Final, the organization had endured a hefty period of prolonged darkness and mediocrity.<\/p>\n

Hope was revitalized in 2017 when the Oilers made the playoffs for the first time since 2006, nearly making it to the Western Conference Final; but ultimately lost to the Anaheim Ducks<\/a> in a heartbreaking Game Seven.<\/p>\n

After that, the team collapsed, thrusting back into obscurity and playoff-less hockey for the next couple of seasons.<\/p>\n

Now in 2020, the Oilers have once again injected a great deal of hope into the Edmonton faithful. They have proven a lot in this short season by remaining comfortably in the playoff picture.<\/p>\n

2020 Post-Season<\/h3>\n

Due to unforeseen circumstances with the COVID-19 outbreak, a playoff celebration has been put on hold. But nonetheless, the Oilers remained consistent, which is something they\u2019ve struggled with in the past.<\/p>\n

Playoffs are knocking on the doorstep. All that stands in the way is a date with the hungry Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>. Make of the 24-team play-in round as you will. The bottom line is, the Oilers are playing meaningful hockey.<\/p>\n

Surely a long playoff run would put the Oilers back into a relevant conversation of being recognized as a true contender and to be taken seriously.<\/p>\n

But while making an impact in playoffs this season is imperative and rightfully the main focus, next season’s response for the Oilers is of equal importance as well.<\/p>\n

In the past, the team has over-promised and under-delivered as a result of immense pressure and high expectations.<\/p>\n

In 2017, when the Oilers last made the playoffs, the bar was set and expectations sky-rocketed. When the following season came, they came out flat and missed the playoffs. What should have been a true statement year insulating the success of the season prior, wound up being a disappointment.<\/p>\n

They have two of the best players on the planet in Leon Draisaitl<\/a><\/strong> and Connor McDavid<\/a><\/strong>. Now is the time for this team to evolve into the Stanley Cup contender they are capable of becoming.<\/p>\n

Time to Shine<\/h3>\n

The remainder of 2020 and all of next season are statement years for the Oilers.<\/p>\n

The results are there. Things are different. This team has a wide range of depth and security in every position and a phenomenal coach in Dave Tippett to lead the charge with his relentless, defence-first game plan.<\/p>\n

In a year full of impressive stories, Tippett has a decent shot to win Coach of the Year. He has rallied his troops at opportune times and established a competitive, cohesive culture in the Oilers locker room. The results have shown well on the ice.<\/p>\n

Special teams will be a secret weapon to success for the oilers.<\/p>\n

Before the season came to an end, the team harboured the best powerplay in the league at 29.5% and 59 powerplay goals. This asset will prove to be a significant advantage over any team they face, especially in playoffs, when many games are decided by one goal.<\/p>\n

Many dues have been paid to get to where the Oilers are. Everything needs to come together on a consistent yearly basis now.<\/p>\n

An aggressive trade deadline a few months back led by GM\u00a0Ken Holland<\/a> proves exactly where the organizations mindset is.<\/p>\n

Now is their time to shine, or step aside for the big dogs to take over.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>