Allan Mitchell

Alberta

Proud to write for @TheAthleticNHL and host the Lowdown noon-2 weekdays on @sports1440. Dad, employee of Ziggy. Miss you, Jo. xoxo

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Articles

How Kris Knoblauch's keen ability to adjust elevated Edmonton Oilers

2 days ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

In the 18 months since Kris Knoblauch took over as coach of the Edmonton Oilers, he has guided the team to the Stanley Cup Final each time. For fans of the team, the unassuming Knoblauch represents an elite problem solver. That ability to tinker with the roster, using only players who are readily available, has become a calling card of the team's head coach. After going to Game 7 of the final last spring, he now has the Oilers four wins from the championship.
Five reasons why the Edmonton Oilers should win the Stanley Cup

4 days ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

Twice in the last 20 years, the Edmonton Oilers (and the team's fans) have endured the ultimate heartbreak: Losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. In 2006 and 2024, the franchise rolled all the way to the deciding game of the entire season, and fell short. Ask an Oilers fan about the experience, and the first-blush reaction is pain and the idea that it would have been better to fall out of the playoffs earlier.
The importance of Oilers' playoff healthy scratches, now and in the future

5 days ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

In the years leading up to this spring's playoff run, the Edmonton Oilers deployed several rookies in prominent roles. Stuart Skinner played in 12 playoff games during his rookie season (2022-23), Philip Broberg played in nine games that same spring. Inexperienced players like Ryan McLeod, Dylan Holloway, Klim Kostin and Vincent Desharnais also occupied important roster spots in recent postseasons.
The Oilers' tweak that could change Stanley Cup Final rematch vs. Panthers

6 days ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

This week has been an overwhelming one for Edmonton Oilers fans. The injury to Zach Hyman that will cost the team its best winger for the rest of the playoffs, the return of Mattias Ekholm to the lineup and Calvin Pickard stepping in as backup goaltender were all explosive developments. Add that to the strong showing at home versus the Dallas Stars, and then closing out the series on Thursday night, and heads are spinning in Oilers Nation.
Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner's story of struggles and a chance at redemption

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

The Stanley Cup playoffs present opportunities for all participants. Some players turn into overnight sensations, while others become wildly unpopular with their fan base. Sometimes, both things happen in the same playoff run. Such is the case for Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers. So far in his young career, Skinner has seen the good and the bad of playing for his hometown team. It's no easy task playing goalie for the Oilers.
Edmonton Oilers pushing for Stanley Cup shows off the soul of a city

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

Edmonton is the northernmost major city in North America. It stands alone as the only large population area in Canada more than 200 kilometres from the United States border. That isolation brings innovation, pride and an unparalleled devotion to the Edmonton Oilers. The team has passionate and knowledgeable fans, and the city talks about the team all day, every day. The tone of the conversation varies from giddy to rage, but the team's place in the soul of the city is never in question.
A complete look at the Edmonton Oilers' prospects in spring 2025

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

Even as the Edmonton Oilers push to make the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row, there are some interesting things happening among players in the team's prospect pool. Sam O'Reilly and William Nicholl are helping the London Knights at this year's Memorial Cup. Russian winger Maxim Berezkin has completed his season (including playoffs) as a member of the KHL champion Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. He was a major contributor throughout the regular season and playoffs for his team.
How the Edmonton Oilers' playoff run informs potential offseason moves to come

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

There's enough sample in the postseason for Edmonton Oilers fans to drill down on what's working, and on specific players who are successfully filling roles. It's also easy to credibly identify underperformers. As the current edition of the team houses six unrestricted free agents, and a couple of important restricted free agents, it's never too soon to discuss what may come this summer. Here's a position-by-position look at the Oilers this spring. Who's making the grade?
What Oilers did (and didn't do) well against Stars in 2024 playoff series

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

A year ago, the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars played an entertaining six-game series. The five-on-five scoring was fairly even, but Edmonton's power play scored four times, and the Oilers' PK outscored the Stars' PP 1-0 in the Western Conference final. Edmonton had the overall edge in save percentage, shooting percentage and posted double the high-danger chances Dallas earned in the series. If you're an Oilers fan expecting a repeat, it would be wise to reset expectations.
How the Edmonton Oilers are diminishing criticism that they lack a rugged edge

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Allan Mitchell

For several years running, there have been whispers (some louder than others) suggesting the Edmonton Oilers can be distracted from winning games with rugged play and heavy hits. It's a criticism that arises specifically when discussing defensive retrievals and outlets after opponents dump the puck in and race for possession. How rampant is the belief that Edmonton can be intimidated in this area?