Last night, while the Oilers held a lead against the Blackhawks but weren't playing their best game, Knoblauch made a critical line switch that led to quick returns. In the middle of the game, Knoblauch switched Draisaitl and McLeod in their lines. Draisaitl played shifts with Foegele and Janmark, and McLeod with Kane and Brown.
This kind of tenacity and willingness to chair bold decisions with the games in real time is a testament to Knoblauch's coaching ability. In highly competitive games and the playoffs, the coach's ability to make in-game adjustments with strategies and lines is extremely important to the team's success.
Now under Knoblauch, the Oilers have improved their record to 10-3, and are back to routinely dominating teams. The Oilers have always had the elite talent to be cup contenders, and now Knoblauch is showing the ability to lead them towards it.
POLL | ||
13 DECEMBRE | 550 ANSWERS Oilers' coach Knoblauch makes significant change to the team Should the Oilers spread out their stars through the lineup? | ||
Yes, it makes them deeper | 376 | 68.4 % |
No, put them together | 95 | 17.3 % |
Double shift Connor and Leon | 79 | 14.4 % |
List of polls |