Oilers coach Knoblauch forgets about handshake line after series win

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Liam McCormick
May 2, 2024 (9:19)

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Act like you've been there before, they always say. When the Edmonton Oilers clinched their ticket to the second round, Knoblauch really treated it like every other game - and started to leave before the handshake line.

One of the best traditions in all of sports is the handshake line after an extremely physical round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Both teams set aside the rivalry developed over the last week, and show their respect for the hard-fought battle. Knoblauch was so dialled in, likely already thinking about the second round matchup, that he forgot all about the tradition and started walking down the tunnel before someone alerted him.

After the game, coach Knoblauch specifically praised the Oilers ability to play with their lead, especially in the third period. It's been a noticeable difference under his tenure as coach that the team can play more mature, defensive hockey in those situations. The Oilers killed off most of the third period without trouble, which is exactly what fans and the coach wants to see.

Last night also happened to be Knoblauch's anniversary, and some reporters teased that he may have been heading off for a bottle of wine in the locker room.

A few Oilers players had great reactions to the series win on the ice as well. Leon Draisaitl drew a penalty with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game, giving a fist pump as the ref blew the whistle knowing that the game was over. Later on, McDavid and Draisaitl had a moment in the handshake line, showing their dedication to each other through the growth of this team over 9 years.

This year was the third in a row that the Oilers defeated the Kings in the playoffs, but this year it was total domination - and shows the newfound strengths of the group. The Oilers can now play any style of game, and demonstrated that in this series. They beat the Kings using high-flying offence, gritty defence, and some physically punishing play too. Then there's Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who look like they just won't be denied by anyone this year. After their first round win, everything is looking up for Edmonton.