Oilers Coach Knoblauch Says Change Will Be Coming After Stars Slow Start

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Liam McCormick
October 20, 2024 (2:59 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers haven't met expectations early this season with a 2-3 record, and one of the primary reasons is the struggling powerplay.

McDavid and Draisaitl, as well as the rest of the Oilers first and only powerplay unit, have not been able to execute with the advantage. The powerplay should be the team's greatest strength, but they've only connected for one goal so far this year. Now, Coach Knoblauch is saying change will be coming.

Knoblauch knows that as long as the powerplay isn't effective, the Oilers may have trouble winning games. If he's looking to make a change to the powerplay, it could be with their game plan or with their personnel.

If Edmonton wants to add another premium offensive threat to the powerplay, they need to consider removing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in favour of Jeff Skinner. The 32 year old forward is off to a great start in Edmonton, but his talents aren't being fully utilized on the third line only. Skinner is a prolific goal scorer with a premium shot, and on the first powerplay unit he could be very productive. His shot would give opposing defenders another shot to respect, potentially giving more space to other players too.

Potentially Knoblauch means a change in the game-planning of their powerplay as well. At the moment, most players are far too stagnant while one puck handler tries to beat a defender one-on-one for a seam pass. The Oilers could likely benefit from getting more movement and short area passes on their powerplay to make chances for their stars to bury quick goals.

Whatever the change is, it's much needed at this point. Once McDavid and Draisaitl find their offensive rhythm, the floodgates will open and the pair will begin dominating the score sheet again. The powerplay is a great way to warm them up, and hopefully Knoblauch's incoming changes work.