Both Ryan and Kane in their post game comments eluded to the fact that the NHL is not like the NBA and having two great players is not going to lead to success.
Under previous coaches, it was easy to feel like that the bottom six were never doing enough. I think a huge part of that was when you have players like McDrai, and the coach is relying so heavily on them, the other players start doing the same thing. It doesn't help that you know you're never getting a PP chance, and your minutes will always be limited. There would be no accountability, as far as they're concerned, to contribute to the success of the team, just be plugs and take up time when McDrai are resting.
I can't think of another coach who has distributed ice time like Woodcroft is doing right now. Going to PP2 to start a powerplay was huge, and that's a normal thing to happen on an NHL team, whereas it came as a shock to anyone who watches the Oilers regularly.
I get that it's a small sample size, but I can't recall any other coaching change resulting in meaningful changes like this beyond the Xs and Os.
Let's hope they can keep it rolling.