As Game 7 looms for the Oilers and the Panthers, Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey spoke to the media expressing no desire to take the assistant coaching job when it was offered.
Prior to his coaching gig, he was the special adviser to ownership in hockey operations since 2022. His primary role was to advise owner Daryl Katz with leadership and a strategic idea on how the team should move forward.
After the dismissal of Dave Manson and Jay Woodcroft in late November, Coffey was asked to step behind the bench and help lead their defence which was in desperate need of repair. After a few weeks on the job, there was a noticeable difference in the way the Oilers played, and how they defended.
Just after Christmas, the Oilers went on a run that was unbelievable with sixteen straight wins which was just short of the NHL record. But with their defensive play and turning their season around, the Oilers vaunted themselves within a few points of the Pacific division title announce it's one game from a potential Stanley Cup.
Whether Coffey feels comfortable or not, he must be proud of this team is they overcome adversity and are preparing for the biggest game of their lives. I've stated that he is the secret weapon of the Oilers success and the biggest difference maker. I believe it even more today.
