I actually agree, you've brought to my senses. Much like the fans, any change in the organization that close to the players could be a slight boost they need.
A couple reasons why a coach would prefer to get in at the start of a tough stretch of games and on the road. Players cant go back home and escape. They have curfew quite often (i would think the oilers need a curfew, from their behavior on the ice), and eat and room together. The team gets closer because of this on the road often. I can see the personalities better. I can see the issues better. Actually far less distractions on the road than at home. Can see who is a quitter faster, push points....and i can set the tone and attitude better on a road swing (a coach needs to constantly reinforce this during games and season....not just expect it to happen). The coach is fully responsible to BE the identity and tone of his team. It is NOT coincidence that Eakins coaches as numbly and disoriented as the Oilers play. It will not be changed either.
Of course that is one part of being a coach. Then you have line matchups, constant observation and assessment, attention to momentum swings of the smallest variation, having a plan to stomp negative momentum swings, evaluate the play of the opponent, your team, and your players at all time. Assess energy levels. Be in constant discussion with your coaching staff. Being quick clear and concise with any communications on game day. Etc etc etc.
Alllllllllll of this does not exist with eakins.