Oilers Coach Knoblauch explains controversial healthy scratch, faces criticism for strategy

The Oilers opted to scratch Matthew Savoie in today's lineup, despite the young forward performing very well in his first three games.

Speaking to the media before today's game, Coach Knoblauch stressed how well Savoie has played lately, and that it was a tough decision to take him out before an important game.

Knoblauch's praise for Savoie is the exact reason he shouldn't be taken out - he's played well and has earned a spot in the lineup over some of their veteran players.

Numerous Oilers forwards are struggling and having a down year, and some of them should've been sat in favour of Savoie given his play in the last few games.

Oilers fans have criticized the decision as Knoblauch continuing a bias against young players, and deliberately not icing the best lineup possible.

On top of this controversial lineup decision with Savoie, that was similar to his treatment of Jeff Skinner, fans are criticizing Knoblauch lately for his deference to creating offence from the blue line.

It seems the Oilers are strategizing more shots from the point, instead of their dynamic in some offence from last season. Some fans are starting to see similarities in Knoblauch to past coaches.

The Oilers coach does have some role in the team's poor play right now. He needs to be able to motivate the team to play their best, most cohesive hockey, and that's far from their reality right now. Hopefully, tonight's game against the Florida Panthers sparks the team to wake up.