Oilers coach Knoblauch calls out depth players, stops just short of blaming goalie for loss

According to Knoblauch, the result of this game fell more upon the Oilers depth players. Through their win streaks and extreme highs, their top two lines are still carrying a significant load of the offence. Knoblauch called out the depth players, clearly asking them for more contributions to the scoresheet.

Looking for one extra goal and not seeing much from the bottom two lines, Knoblauch began double shifting McDavid and Draisaitl, something he's almost never done as coach yet. That being said, it becomes necessary when trying to win games and the bottom six isn't driving play.

While imploring the bottom-six to produce more offence, it doesn't make sense then that Knoblauch is continually scratching Sam Gagner in favour of Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark. Both forwards, especially Brown, have been offensive black holes this year, and Gagner's been very successful in limited minutes. Knoblauch's comments here may be indicative of the Oilers' direction at the trade deadline to acquire more scoring, but at least for now, there's a valid replacement in the wings in Sam Gagner.