Behind Enemy Lines
Registered User
He is a solid coach. Still has a high respect for McDavid and others he coached. I don't think he was necessarily wed to a system disconnect that led to his downfall. There was a clear disconnect between Chiarelli and McLellan that grew over time notably in one example the handling of a teenager Puljujarvi. It's been challenging for several iterations of Oiler coaches to get the full, consistent buy-in to the defending/goal suppression component that defines elite teams.Always enjoyed listening to Todd. Good coach.
I think that the largest part of his failing here was that the roster he was given was just not the type of roster that can play his system effectively. LA has a big grinding roster and they play his system very well making them a very hard team to beat.
Part of me would really enjoy another playoff series against the Kings but on the other hand that series would be such a tough grind that I think this team would be better served (in terms of playoff longevity) not having to endure that.
I'd rather avoid LA in the first round because of the heavy, grinding physical style. But we're a ways away from any predetermination of playoff hockey. This was a big game for both teams and a close one in the study of contrasting styles. McDavid a defining difference maker.