EDMONTON — There are some constants that have been established in Edmonton, over the arc of a competitive window that has lasted for most of a decade.

They are cemented in Edmonton’s culture, some good, some not so good. And the solution has always been the same: Fire the coach.

But after this much time, whether we like them or not, we should recognize exactly what these forces are and shape them accordingly, as the end of the Connor McDavid window rises on the horizon.

One: The Oilers possess an elite ability to score, aided by the best power play in the National Hockey League. It’s an inherent advantage, and must be leveraged.

Two: That offence will get you to the playoffs every year. How far they go after that, however, is dictated by the Oilers’ collective ability to keep pucks out of their own net. Offence is your strong suit, sure. Defence wins championships.

Three: There is an issue of inclusivity that has existed for years in Edmonton’s dressing room. The fourth line can not be asked to play the same way the first line does — or vice versa — but the entire roster has to be made to feel like it is part of the process. The depth guys cannot simply be spectators, just as the top guys can not be asked to provide every element a team needs to succeed.

Four: Management has panicked in its........

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