Fragile: Oilers Head Coach Calls Out His Team After Embarrassing Loss to the Ducks
Photo credit: Sportsnet video screenshot
Kris Knoblauch has seen enough these days, as he has once again called out his Oilers team after an absolutely embarrassing loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Edmonton Oilers were exhausted, uninspired, and, in the words of head coach Kris Knoblauch, "fragile" in a 6-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
"We're a fragile team, when things aren't going well we lose our game," Knoblauch told reporters. "I thought our start is exactly how we needed to play, guys were ready to play, and then a little adversity and we're a shell of ourselves.
"This is usually a team that can handle any amount of adversity but right now it's a tough time in the season."
"This is usually a team that can handle any amount of adversity but right now it's a tough time in the season."
It started well, as Edmonton dictated the tempo of play early, shooting 6-1 on Anaheim, and Leon Draisaitl's 45th goal of the year put them up 1-0. Then it all unraveled.
Calvin Pickard was pulled and replaced by Stuart Skinner
Anaheim responded with four goals on 11 shots, and Knoblauch pulled Calvin Pickard in favor of Stuart Skinner after one period. By then, the game was already getting away.
Connor McDavid had a late goal to make it 6-2, but frustration was apparent. Knoblauch, typically stoic, had no-nonsense words, one more akin to that of a rebuilding club rather than that of a grizzled veteran club.
The oldest team in the NHL, the Oilers, should not be experiencing confidence issues, but the truth is they are just 21 games away from the start of the playoffs.
Knoblauch even discussed, independently, how this lack of offense is stressing out the team.
"As good as they are, and they're fantastic, we need some other contributions from other guys stepping up a little more."
- Kris Knoblauch
- Kris Knoblauch
The Oilers' requirements are well understood. The issue is whether GM Stan Bowman and his staff will do that in time.
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