It's the work that's been done by Kris Knoblauch and his staff. They found ways to get the Oilers back to being a team that can score in even-strength and power-play situations which was a strength last season. Perhaps the most crucial thing they have done is getting the Oilers' defensive structure situated. They're in the top 10 or higher in categories such as shots per 60, scoring chances per 60 and high-danger chances per 60. There's also the work they have done with Stuart Skinner, who has been one of their most consistent performers.
There are a couple of key places the Oilers have improved since Knoblauch took over in mid-November. For me, it's the Oilers' goaltending going from dismal to dazzling that's set a certain tone. Skinner was at an .876 SV% and 3.27 GAA when Knoblauch took over; he's posted a .923 SV% and 2.10 GAA since then. And then there's the penalty kill. It was bottom-five in the league at 71.7% at the coaching change; Edmonton has the league's best PK (89.3%) under Knoblauch's watch. When you see those stats trending in the right direction, it's leading to good things.
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