Edmonton Oilers players comment on much needed mental reset
Photo credit: AP News
The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the hottest teams coming into the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, and they will look to continue their success after tonight's final showdown between Canada and the USA. While a majority of the NHL's elite players have been hard at work, the boys back in Edmonton have been relishing in some much needed time off.
I think it's safe to say that this break couldn't have come at a better time for the Edmonton Oilers.
While the Edmonton Oilers have been squeezing out wins against bottom tier teams, the Oil are coming off a disappointing 5-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, and fatigue was clearly starting to set-in.
Edmonton Oilers embracing mental reset
Following morning skate today, a few core members of the Edmonton Oilers spoke to the media, breaking down the impact of this much needed rest period.
«We weren't at our best the last couple of games before the break so hopefully it came at the right time and we can get back to attacking and playing the right way once we get going again,» said Leon Draisaitl, after returning to practice this week.
At 162 games since the start of last season, a short summer and some of the longest travel in the league, the Oilers logged more miles than anyone, so if any team needed an opportunity to catch its breath before the stretch drive, it's them.
«As a team we all really needed it,» said goaltender Stuart Skinner, adding a short summer and a condensed schedule because of the 4 Nations combined to grind the team down.
«We've had some tough back-to-backs, some tough travel. On one trip we had a week where we were in a different time zone every place we went to. That stuff can take a toll on your body.
«So the timing of the break was really helpful. It gives you a nice reset mentally and physically. Coming in we're all feeling really fresh, we have a really good attitude, it's high energy.»
The Oilers go back to work February 22nd against the Philadelphia Flyers.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 20 | 443 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers players comment on much needed mental reset Will the Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup this year? | ||
| Yes | 352 | 79.5 % |
| No | 91 | 20.5 % |
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