NHL analysts reveal whether one specific fix can solve the Oilers' defensive problems

This week, Oilers analysts debated whether or not the team really misses having a former assistant on the bench.

The topic of conversation was how much of an impact a coaching voice like Paul Coffey's can truly have on a defensive group that has looked unstable through the early stretch of the season.

Jason Gregor felt the inconsistency of the team remained the real problem, with strong stretches of defence having appeared even without Coffey's familiar voice behind the bench.

Tyler Yaremchuk felt the blue line had dipped enough to at least suggest some level of absence, with a number of defenders performing below expectations despite key contributions to last season's run to the Stanley Cup Final.

There was also an acknowledgement by Woz that perhaps what is missing isn't tactics, but tone. Coffey's confidence, blunt assessments, and swagger brought with them an element that was unique, potentially lacking in the current coaching group.

He stated a need for puck-moving ability across the defence, although what that specifically means in terms of tactics isn't as clear.

Another take by Zach Laing was that when the conversation turned to one assistant coach being the solution to what ails the Oilers today, deeper problems exist across the roster and structure.

Baggedmilk pointed out that the team started poorly defensively in each of the last two seasons as well, making it hard to pin the struggles on one departure alone.

Still, with the defence looking tight and hesitant, it is reasonable to assume the group misses at least a small piece of what Coffey provided.

Ultimately, this debate speaks to the larger issue: are the Oilers' defensive problems a matter of the coaching change, player performance, or a more deep-seated structural problem that will need to be resolved sooner rather than later? Only time will tell.