Is it better for the Edmonton Oilers if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup? 

The knee-jerk reply is no way Jose, screw them guys, bunch of…

The question again, but better phrased: Are the Golden Knights more likely to grant permission to speak to Bruce Cassidy if they win the Cup? Or would a hurricane-ravaged Kelly McCrimmon and brass say f-it-all and outright deny deny deny if they lose. Does it matter any which way? 

Cassidy is growing frustrated and speaking frankly in the media, campaigning for the ability to work and doing his bit to worsen the perception of his one-time team. McCrimmon is tap dancing in the media as the don of hockey ruthlessness.

Look at us, did you see how we just ended the Colorado Avalanche? And then this, oh-by-the-way, on TSN’s Overdrive, “It’s only news because Edmonton leaked it.”

I mentioned this briefly last week, and it’s also what I’ve heard. I believe that’s why things are extra quiet around coaching candidates. 

Later that day, Bowman didn’t respond to those claims, but was asked about the coaching search on Oilers Now: 

“We’re working through a process,” he said. “We’ve got nothing to announce right now, and I don’t think it’s fair to the people we’ve been speaking to to be giving details on that.

“But we’re taking our time, making sure that we don’t rush into anything, and it’ll happen when it happens. So I don’t have an answer on that. We’re working through it, and we’re being thorough and diligent, and I think that’s the only way to handle it…” 

About what you’d expect. 

The key is, Vegas gets to use the same excuse – not that they need any – for a couple more weeks. If there is a celebration, trophies, and parades, those emails will keep piling up in McCrimmon’s inbox – how could he possibly respond to them? 

I could see a scenario where a victorious Vegas is at a smidgen less concerned about Cassidy’s whereabouts if they add another rock to their finger. You run through hypotheticals like this, given how much time we’ve got.

It may help, ii may not, but there’s a better chance my dog learns Latin than an Oilers fan cheering for the Golden Knights in this upcoming Final.

Some questions I’d have

Two names we’re pretty sure are in the mix: Craig Berube, Peter Laviolette (probably). 

One of the big issues I hope they solve with their hire is the lack of cohesion from the front office to the coach on the types of players Edmonton is acquiring in free agency and trades, and how they’re deployed. 

Obviously, the interview process will be a big key........

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