from Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal,

“It’s a tough day.” If there was one overriding theme to Ken Holland’s media avail on Thursday afternoon, it was that phrase, mentioned repeatedly throughout. Holland spoke to his disappointment at feeling obliged to make a mid-season coaching change for the first time in his 25-year career as an NHL General Manager. That came down on Thursday morning, when head coach Dave Tippett and assistant Jim Playfair were let go, to be replaced by the two men holding similar positions with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate in Bakersfield. Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson, will be flying in to Edmonton tonight to take the reins behind the Oilers bench for the rest of the NHL season.

It was his decision, Holland insisted, based on “gut feel” that the time had come. He had discussions with President of Hockey Operations Bob Nicholson late Wednesday night after the Oilers latest desultory home defeat, 4-1 to Chicago Blackhawks, then after a restless night picked up the phone early Thursday morning to inform owner Daryl Katz. Tippett and Playfair got the word shortly thereafter.

Holland’s other overriding theme echoed the departing words of former Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice: “Sometimes you just need a different voice.”

When asked if he had considered an external hire such as former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, Holland said his only two options were internal:

continued