Oilers Coach Knoblauch Criticizes Star Players Performance This Season

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Liam McCormick
October 19, 2024 (11:01)

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The Edmonton Oilers got off to a slower start to the season with a record of 0-3, and although they're beginning to claw back, the stars haven't fully shown up yet.

Edmonton was known last season for their league-best offence and historically good powerplay. So far to start the season, the first powerplay unit hasn't been nearly as effective. In an interview at practice yesterday, Knoblauch said the star players on the powerplay are out of sync.

»You know, a lot of not being able to execute. They've been together so long, and there's always stretches on the powerplay right now I just see everyone being out of sync a little bit, and maybe overpassing, not getting that good quality shot.»
- Coach Knoblauch

Knoblauch continued to say that the top powerplay needs to get a goal to get rolling, and the floodgates should open for the Superstars again. In 5 games this year, the Oilers have just one powerplay goal that's come from Leon Draisaitl against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Even keeping McDavid and Draisaitl together on the top line looks to be a method from Knoblauch to get his two superstars scoring this year. The Oilers have clawed back for two wins in their last two games, but some analysts shared concerns that their easy going approach to preseason might cause a slow start.

Whenever Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have a night to combine for 6 points, then hockey fans can be sure that they've truly arrived this season.

Today against a quality Dallas Stars team, the Oilers will have their first big test of the season. Edmonton eliminated Dallas in the Western Conference Final last year, so the Stars will certainly be looking to get their lick back - and it will be a great chance for the Oilers to truly wake up this year.