Oilers coach Knoblauch gets unusually vocal after brutal penalty call costs team
Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is a very calm and collected coach, but tonight one questionable penalty call got the coach unusually vocal with the referees to stand up for his team.
The Oilers organization has been in the spotlight lobbying for improved refereeing after Connor McDavid's suspension and the brutal officiating around it, and it seems they're not giving up.
Oilers coach Knoblauch rips referee for controversial penalty call
While a Blues forward was streaking down the ice to receive a pass, Ekholm stepped up to deliver a monster hit. It was a clean check to a player receiving the puck, with no head contact, and yet Ekholm was called for a penalty.
Coach Knoblauch called the referees over to the bench to argue the call, something he rarely if ever does. Reading his lips, it looks like he very strongly asked the referees how that was interference. Hilariously, he still remained completely calm.
Of course, the St. Louis Blues capitalized on the chance on the powerplay to tie the game.
When teams have to kill penalties that are such bad calls, it often takes momentum away from the penalty kill - or just feels like a curse is coming with a goal.
The Oilers penalty kill was a major weakness of the team earlier this season, but has evolved into a strength like it was last playoffs.
Edmonton still found a way to come back and win the game in overtime, on a Herculean effort from Connor McDavid.
Hopefully it continues to get better, knowing more questionable officiating is coming in the springtime. All coach Knoblauch can do is continue to prepare his team, and calmly stick up for his players when necessary, like he did tonight.
