Bruce Cassidy is someone Kris Knoblauch really needs to pay attention to as Edmonton looks at Vegas again.
Cassidy was let go by Vegas on Sunday, which means one of the smartest coaches in the playoffs is now free to be hired.
Getting Cassidy to come in for a quick chat would be a smart decision for the team, not an act of panic.
What makes this situation interesting is when it’s happening.
The Oilers just beat Vegas 4-3 in overtime on Thursday, so they know this team well. They just played a game that felt like a playoff match.
The scores back this up.
Cassidy wouldn’t have to run a practice or change the team lineup to be useful. He gets the strategies, matchups, and the small details that Vegas depends on when the game becomes tough and every player matters.
That’s why this conversation is more than just talk on the internet.
Cassidy took Vegas to a Stanley Cup win in 2022-23, and his experience shows he knows how to handle pressure situations really well. That kind of knowledge is crucial in April.
Stan Bowman has a limited time to make a decision here.
Bowman can’t be slow if the Oilers think they can find even a small advantage.
Cassidy is the type of coach who won’t be available for long once other teams start reaching out to him.
Also, there’s no reason to make this situation any harder than it is. Nobody is saying Cassidy should take over Knoblauch’s job.
A smarter way would be to work quietly behind the scenes, have some conversations, and learn more about how Vegas operates.
Edmonton should try to gather every bit of information they can find.
The Oilers have put up 258 goals, which shows they have the talent to win. The big question for the playoffs is whether they can prepare well enough to get ahead of their competition.
Vegas is a tough opponent to beat as well.
The Golden Knights have allowed 234 goals, and their season hasn’t gone as planned.
A coach who has gone through a tough season would know what the issues are.
That’s the focus for Edmonton. They should not get caught up in headlines or drama. They need to pay attention to what a coach who knows the team can tell them about their habits and the problems that Vegas could not solve in time.
If Bowman wants to take every possible step to be ready for the games in spring, this information is right there for him.
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