Bruce Curlock

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Bruce Curlock

We will talk more about this pairing in the Stanley Cup preview, but it will be interesting to see what the coaching staff does with a pairing that may struggle against a more aggressive forecheck. Here is one reason why: Brett Kulak struggles on his weak side. Watch this clip where the Oilers eventually take a penalty. Stuart Skinner sets up the play, but because Kulak is on his weak side, the pass goes to where a right-shot defenceman would have his stick. No blame on Skinner.

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Bruce Curlock

If you’ve ever watched a coach’s press conference, you’ve probably heard plenty about execution. Coaches rarely dwell on the specifics of their game plans. Instead, they emphasize how their team actually performed on the ice. Legendary boxer Mike Tyson famously summed up this idea best: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” NHL coaches everywhere would wholeheartedly agree.

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Bruce Curlock

Now that’s playoff hockey. Game 3 was the very essence of what makes playoff hockey so good. In a seven-game series against the same opponent, coaches get to observe what goes on in the games and then try tactics to reshape the game to their advantage. Dallas, having struggled at 5v5 at home, came into Edmonton with some adjustments to try and improve their fortunes against the Oilers. Without a doubt, the changes had an impact, giving the Stars their best two periods in the series.

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Bruce Curlock

The Edmonton Oilers can have some heartbreaking losses. Often they earn them in new and spectacular ways. The Edmonton Oilers also have a unique ability to recover from these losses. It could be the veteran presence on the team, or it could simply be having two of the greatest players in the world. More than likely, it is a combination of a number of factors that help the Oilers overcome these devastating losses.

2 weeks ago | yardbarker.com | Bruce Curlock

Before every series, I emphasize why controlling 5v5 play is crucial. It’s the longest part of any hockey game. Winning, or at least breaking even, during 5v5 ensures your team stays competitive. Special teams are important and can sometimes swing outcomes. But 5v5 remains the core element of the game. Entering this series, the Dallas Stars challenged that logic. They were the only playoff team remaining with an expected goals share below 50% at 5v5.