Hot and bothered. I'm not talking about most guys after watching a dirty movie but I am talking about one NHL coach Craig MacTavish. That's what he was feeling after watching a hockey game... well actually four of them. All losses including Monday night's 1-0 defeat in OT to Boston.
I've covered the team for ten years and I don't think I've ever seen such surgeon-like precision by the Oilers head coach when it comes to breaking down his team and here's how it went.
Let's start with scoring. "We have a soft, high risk offence". OK then how about your defence? "We're not going backwards as fast as we're going forwards".
Did you think it was another slow beginning against the Bruins? "Our starts have been horrific." And why is that the case? "We're trying to cut corners." Has the team underachieved? "I know what this team is capable of and we're not even close." Is it maybe because of the youth on the Oilers? "Doesn't matter how old you are you have to play the game the right way."
What do you have to do? "Get a whole lot better." How do you do that? "By putting on our work boots and getting back to work and paying the price." Did you feel like it was time to let the players know how you feel? "I've been patient to this point now I want to see results."
Speaking of results what do you think about the fact that your team is heading out on a seven-game road trip, your longest of the season?" "It could go two ways, we bond and build together and have a great trip or it could be a debacle."
Is there anything left to say? No I think the coach has said it all.