Is Oilers’ Blue Line Game-Changer Noted by Scribe Sustainable?

According to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers are turning a corner when it comes to their blue-line success and the way their team is playing defense. Few analysts would peg the team’s blue-line core as all-worldly, but there are some solid pieces to work with. That said, with serious turnover during the offseason, it took a minute for the team to get things back on track, and the group has finally started to trend in the right direction. Mitchell writes, “About 33 percent into the season, the coaching staff found a solution, deployed it, and are running hot because of it.”

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So what is that solution?

The Oilers are running a second-pairing with two lefties on it. It’s not always the same two defensemen — sometimes it’s Darnell Nurse with Troy Stecher, and sometimes it’s Nurse with Brett Kulak — but when the Oilers mix and match these pairings, the results are excellent. Specifically, the Nurse and Kulak pairing has become quite effective. Even more specifically, the Oilers have gone “Nurse and Stecher to start the game; Nurse and Kulak when things get a little more difficult.”

Their goals for vs. goals against and Dangerous Fenwick numbers are solid.

Is This Blue Line Strategy Sustainable for the Oilers?

Mitchell describes the idea that, traditionally, coaches don’t want to of the same shot on the same pair. “Sticks against the wall” is a way things have been done for years. But, he also points out that the NHL is moving toward bucking that trend more often, with 19 different pairings identified as the same shot on the same pairing (typically lefty with a lefty). Mitchell also thinks the pairing of Nurse and Kulak have the stuff to make it work.

He writes:

Based on Nurse and Kulak, it seems two great same-handedness skaters (both men can absolutely fly) might be able to beat the system. There’s no reason for the Oilers to abandon this brilliant wrinkle and what’s a de facto defensive platoon.

What is so positive about this is how it has helped Nurse, who is seemingly having one of his better seasons. Nurse has been healthy and playing well, and the idea that he’s comfortable with both of those partners is a huge plus for the Oilers.

Does this mean the Oilers don’t need to rush out and trade for a right-shot defenseman? It appears that way. This is good news because it gives GM Stan Bowman more time to make a calculated move.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Predators, Oilers, Leafs, Rangers, Ducks, Flyers