Oilers Coach Knoblauch Makes Puzzling Decision in Overtime That Cost His Team
The head coach always has to ice the best roster possible to win a game, and in the Oilers overtime against the Kings today, Adam Henrique was the last player that should've been out there.
The Oilers signed the 34 year old Henrique to a two year contract this offseason for $3M annually after a great playoffs last year.
Henrique had a particularly rough game against Los Angeles, and was already -3 in the game before getting walked on the overtime goal. Quinten Byfield made a fake, and beat Henrique clean to create a 2 on 1.
Oilers fans came out in criticism of Coach Knoblauch for even playing Henrique in the final minutes of overtime after such a tough game, rightfully so.
Oilers Fans Rip Coach Knoblauch for Adam Henrique's Mistake in Overtime, Showing Need For Forward Help
Henrique is currently slotted at third line center, which may be a position that just isn't suited to an older and slower player like him.
Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock has been repeatedly saying it's a bad fit for the team.
Playing 14-16 minutes a night in a primarily defensive center role, it would be better to have a faster player that's able to cover all the areas a center needs to.
Henrique's speed is limiting his effectiveness at center massively, and may be creating a weakness of the Oilers.
In 35 games this season, Henrique has just 3 goals and 10 points, with an on-ice rating of +1. He's still a quality player, but is being used in the wrong position.
Insider Bob Stauffer has suggested that Edmonton may explore a trade for a bottom six forward with energy. Adding a third line center would appear to be a fit.
For now at the very least though, Coach Knoblauch should be rethinking his overtime ice time decisions to utilize some faster players like Kapanen and Podkolzin, instead of the veteran Henrique.
