Philip Broberg was in the lineup for his second playoff game of the year last night, and after he was seen having a moment with Coach Paul Coffey on the bench, his game completely turned around.
Oilers reporter Tony Brar described a moment where Paul Coffey chatted with Broberg on the bench during the first period. Broberg had coughed up the puck a few times early in the game, but Coffey seemed to settle him down, and encourage him to keep playing his game. Since then, Broberg's confidence noticeably shot up, and resulted in a goal.
Broberg went on to have one of his best games at the NHL level with the Oilers on the biggest stage possible. After a year of development in the AHL, he had noticeable confidence and was making quality touches with the puck. That could be the direct impact from Paul Coffey, who has always stressed his defence to try to make quality plays with the puck - not just chip it out. Philip Broberg described what Coffey said to him on the bench as just that.
The Oilers finished off a dominant performance against the the Dallas Stars on the road, and now they're taking back to Edmonton an opportunity to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in the McDavid era. After starting the season nearly in last place, enough credit can't be given to the coaching staff of Knoblauch and Coffey in the turnaround of this team - who now looks undeniable in their quest for the Cup.
