Coach Knoblauch took a big risk last game, and it backfired
After experiencing a great stretch of hockey, it's clear the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a spark as they are mired in a three-game losing skid that has seen their offence dry up.
They have been outscored 13-6 during this small stretch and have had trouble keeping the puck out of the net with Stuart Skinner continues to struggle with below a .900 save percentage and well over three goals a game against.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch has tinkered with his lines and only after one game he decided to put Ryan Nugent Hopkins back on the top line and Evander Kane on the second line.
The understanding would be he's trying to spread out his offence in trying to spark two solid scoring lines that would give the opponents fits. Every team will go through a cooling period in the ebb and flow of a season, the Oilers need to find their way again and get back to winning games like they were before.
Nuge, has seen his production dropped compared to last year but still a point per game basis having played 29 games, scored seven goals with 22 assists for 29 points for a + 4. Those are quite respectable numbers, but the fan base expects more.
Kane has even been more disappointing as he has played 29 games, scored twelve goals with 10 assists for 22 points and is a - 7. The Oilers expected him to be far more effective in the offensive zone like he was when he first arrived. But after his injury to his wrist, he doesn't seem quite the same and has looked invisible at times.
The pressure this season is enormous on the team as they are pegged to be a Stanley Cup favorite. But it's clear more work needs to be done through trade or a free agent signing who's left on the market.
| POLL | ||
Should Knoblauch give the Oilers more time to fin their rhythm ? | ||
| Yes. they need more time. | 153 | 38.4 % |
| No , they have played this all their lives. | 245 | 61.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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