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First, I am made to understand that there was a “communication problem” on the Oilers bench. The nature of which I don’t pretend to know. But what I will add to that, however, is that numerous times this past season, I witnessed what I believed to be “moments of confusion” between Woodcroft and players, on the bench. I watched every second of every game. and it was a re-occurring scene. I wonder…

Now let me quickly add: Those observations are highly subjective on my part. This kind of miscommunication does happen on benches. I’ve both seen it and been a part of it. And by all means, the miscommunication can just as easily (if not more so) be on the player, rather than the coach. So, take my observations with an abundance of caution. But…it does match some of what we saw on the ice, no?

There have been some questions and suggestions as to whether Jay Woodcroft might be an upgrade in Bakersfield, where existing coach Gerry Fleming has had little success. I have no solid evidence at this point in time that this move is actually in the cards for Woodcroft. So I’d be cautious in assuming anything there, for the time being.

Ian Herbers hasn’t been on the Oilers bench in some time. Instead, he has been the “eye-in-the-sky” for the club. It is hard to point a specific finger at Herbers, as to what he may have done or not have done. But when a team tumbles like this one did, there is often collateral damage. Herbers is thought to have an option back at the U. of. A.