Oilers Coach Knoblauch Calls Out Oilers Before Battle Of Alberta Game
The Edmonton Oilers are meeting up with their rival Calgary Flames tonight for the Battle of Alberta, and Coach Knoblauch is looking for more out of his squad than lasts game.
The Oilers last played the Flames in the third game of the season and lost by a score of 4-1 on home ice, frankly an embarrassing result in a rivalry game in front of the home crowd. Knoblauch reminded the Oilers of that game, and calling on them to show more tonight.
Knoblauch said the Oilers were showing signs of frustration in the last loss to Calgary, and although they've strung some wins together now, it's still premature to say they've found their game. In a game where the Flames will surely be bringing their best to beat their rivals on home ice, the Oilers can use this as an opportunity to keep building their team game.
Coach Knoblauch also called out the Oilers powerplay and penalty kill in particular which need to be better in the upcoming games for the team to have success. Also of note, Knoblauch made the decision to start Stuart Skinner tonight, while saving Calvin Pickard for the stronger team tomorrow night, the New Jersey Devils.
Especially without Connor McDavid in the lineup, the Oilers mentality has been calling on every player to come together and play a full 60 minutes of their best effort. McDavid is only out for 2-3 weeks thankfully, but this brief time without him may actually help the Oilers to bring the most out of every player.
After stinking up Rogers Place the first time the Oilers met the Flames this season, the team owes their fans some retribution in tonight's game.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Oilers missing McDavid temporarily could be a good thing for their team game? | ||
| Yes | 153 | 87.4 % |
| No, always need McDavid | 21 | 12 % |
| See Results | 1 | 0.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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