The ball is now clearly in Todd McLellan’s court.
The Edmonton Oilers head coach has to rally his young troop after a 7-0 playoff loss in San Jose Tuesday night.
The Oilers suffered their worst loss in franchise history since May of 1992. Now, there is no shame in losing to a team such as San Jose. The Sharks finished the regular season with one less win, and four fewer points than Edmonton in the standings.
However, Oiler mistakes trumped skill and penalties trumped play making in game four of this first-round playoff series.
Luckily this team has a veteran coach who can give Edmonton players what the need – a short memory. This is why coaches get paid big money.
McLellan will no doubt be quick to stress that the series is tied at 2-2, with the Oilers heading home for game five. Edmonton is in a situation that they would have gladly taken had they been presented with this scenario before the playoffs started.