Hey guys, welcome to another episode of Ask Dubey – Summer Edition.
Since it’s the quiet off-season months and not too much is going on, we’ll get right into the questions.

Q: How do coaches announce game-time decisions to bench or play a player? Is it done one-on-one in the locker room?
It varies from team to team. For players who are often in and out of the lineup, there’s usually no formal meeting. You find out during the morning pre-game skate when the lineup is posted on the board. If your name’s not there and you’re staying after for extra work, you’re out.
One-on-one conversations usually happen when a regular player is being scratched unexpectedly. That’s when the coach will explain why, what they need from you, and what the plan is moving forward. But for “bubble” players, it’s simply posted with no lengthy explanations.
Q: When coaches say they haven’t decided on the starting goalie yet, is that usually true, or do they already know?
It depends, but often they already know. They just don’t want to share it with the media to avoid added questions or controversy. Most goalies know the night before, so they can mentally prepare. Rarely does a true game-time decision happen for goalies.
Personally, when I heard “the coach hasn’t decided,” it usually meant I wasn’t starting a game I thought I would. I preferred when they were direct about it.
Funny story: My first NHL start with the Oilers came the morning of the game when Pat Quinn called out, “You’re going tonight.” My heart rate spiked instantly. I’d have loved to know the night before. That was a stressful way to find out, especially for a first start.
Q: Considering Edmonton’s hockey market, how did the public treat you when you played there?
I loved it. Edmonton is a passionate hockey city, and people were always polite and supportive. I grew up in Alberta, so it felt like home. Even during tough seasons, most fans just wanted to have a normal conversation. I always enjoy coming back. The city still treats me really well.
<hr />
<figure id="attachment_127920" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-127920" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-127920" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-1024x622.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="622" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-300x182.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-768x466.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-1536x932.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-2048x1243.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-127920" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 1, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) looks to make a play against Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
Q: How hard would it be for a goalie who’s been out of the game for 1.5 seasons to make a comeback, like Carter Hart? What should the expectations be?
Carter Hart has all the tools to be a top NHL goalie. Philadelphia hasn’t been the easiest place for long-term goalie success, but he’s still young and in his prime years. I’ve skated with him, and he’s been training the entire time. He looked great.
There would be some rust at first, but it wouldn’t take long to shake off. If Edmonton brought him in, it would be low risk and potentially high reward. He could push Stuart Skinner and even take over the starter role if needed, all while likely coming in on an affordable deal.
Q: What’s your take on players having to do interviews after every playoff game? Wouldn’t it be better to avoid distractions and only do them after elimination?
Interviews are part of the job. Fans want to hear from players, whether it’s the star of the game, someone who made a mistake, or a goalie making big saves. It’s part of the fan experience and the business of hockey.
Yes, questions can be repetitive or frustrating, but you can push back respectfully if needed. Building a good relationship with the media helps. Some players do more interviews because they’re better at them. Others give short answers and get asked less. No one should hide from it. It’s part of being a professional.
Submit your questions on any social media with the hashtag #AskDubey, or leave them in the comments below. Keep them coming. The questions have been great lately and a lot of fun to answer.
<hr />
<h2><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzGXQCiAKT4">You can watch the full episode here&#8230;</a></h2>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Ask Dubey: Coaching Decisions and Carter Hart Expectations" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QzGXQCiAKT4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Hey guys, welcome to another episode of Ask Dubey – Summer Edition.
Since it’s the quiet off-season months and not too much is going on, we’ll get right into the questions.


Q: How do coaches announce game-time decisions to bench or play a player? Is it done one-on-one in the locker room?

It varies from team to team. For players who are often in and out of the lineup, there’s usually no formal meeting. You find out during the morning pre-game skate when the lineup is posted on the board. If your name’s not there and you’re staying after for extra work, you’re out.

One-on-one conversations usually happen when a regular player is being scratched unexpectedly. That’s when the coach will explain why, what they need from you, and what the plan is moving forward. But for “bubble” players, it’s simply posted with no lengthy explanations.
Q: When coaches say they haven’t decided on the starting goalie yet, is that usually true, or do they already know?
It depends, but often they already know. They just don’t want to share it with the media to avoid added questions or controversy. Most goalies know the night before, so they can mentally prepare. Rarely does a true game-time decision happen for goalies.
Personally, when I heard “the coach hasn’t decided,” it usually meant I wasn’t starting a game I thought I would. I preferred when they were direct about it.
Funny story: My first NHL start with the Oilers came the morning of the game when Pat Quinn called out, “You’re going tonight.” My heart rate spiked instantly. I’d have loved to know the night before. That was a stressful way to find out, especially for a first start.
Q: Considering Edmonton’s hockey market, how did the public treat you when you played there?

I loved it. Edmonton is a passionate hockey city, and people were always polite and supportive. I grew up in Alberta, so it felt like home. Even during tough seasons, most fans just wanted to have a normal conversation. I always enjoy coming back. The city still treats me really well.

<hr />

[caption id="attachment_127920" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-127920" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-against-Philadelphia-Flyers-1024x622.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="622" /> Mar 1, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) looks to make a play against Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

<hr />

Q: How hard would it be for a goalie who’s been out of the game for 1.5 seasons to make a comeback, like Carter Hart? What should the expectations be?

Carter Hart has all the tools to be a top NHL goalie. Philadelphia hasn’t been the easiest place for long-term goalie success, but he’s still young and in his prime years. I’ve skated with him, and he’s been training the entire time. He looked great.

There would be some rust at first, but it wouldn’t take long to shake off. If Edmonton brought him in, it would be low risk and potentially high reward. He could push Stuart Skinner and even take over the starter role if needed, all while likely coming in on an affordable deal.

Q: What’s your take on players having to do interviews after every playoff game? Wouldn’t it be better to avoid distractions and only do them after elimination?

Interviews are part of the job. Fans want to hear from players, whether it’s the star of the game, someone who made a mistake, or a goalie making big saves. It’s part of the fan experience and the business of hockey.

Yes, questions can be repetitive or frustrating, but you can push back respectfully if needed. Building a good relationship with the media helps. Some players do more interviews because they’re better at them. Others give short answers and get asked less. No one should hide from it. It’s part of being a professional.

Submit your questions on any social media with the hashtag #AskDubey, or leave them in the comments below. Keep them coming. The questions have been great lately and a lot of fun to answer.

<hr />

<h2><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzGXQCiAKT4">You can watch the full episode here...</a></h2>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzGXQCiAKT4

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 	<li><a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/florida-panthers-aaron-ekblad-confident-three-peat-stanley-cup">Panthers confident they can win third consecutive Stanley Cup in 2025-26</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-beau-akey-make-nhl-roster">Oilers prospect Beau Akey aiming to make NHL roster in pro rookie season</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/where-edmonton-oilers-need-improve-offensively">A look at the areas where the Oilers need to improve offensively</a></li>
</ul>

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