“Edmonton Oilers’ Resurgence: Kris Knoblauch’s Patience Pays Off in Franchise-Record Winning Streak”
The Edmonton Oilers have experienced a remarkable reversal of fortunes. At the outset of the season, they stood out as one of the more disheartening teams in the NHL. With lofty expectations, their initial performance had them positioned close to the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference.
The Oilers’ former head coach, Jay Woodcroft, faced consequences for the team’s challenges. Defensively, the Oilers lacked structure after he implemented a new system that deviated from the one that had previously brought them considerable success. Goaltending posed a problem with Jack Campbell being sent to the minors, and Stuart Skinner encountering difficulties. Additionally, the team’s top players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, were not performing up to expectations.
Kris Knoblauch stepped in and made a significant impact on the Oilers. He reintroduced patience to the game, addressing a missing element. Despite having the same roster, the Oilers are no longer consistently playing catch-up. This change has been beneficial for Stuart Skinner, helping him regain his form as the All-Star goalie he was a year ago. The improved performance of key players like McDavid and Draisaitl has been essential, but the team is no longer solely dependent on these two individuals.
Since taking charge, Kris Knoblauch has opted to split up the prominent duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, although there are instances where he reunites them. However, Knoblauch exercises subtlety in making this decision, preferring to let the flow of the game dictate when to pair the Dynamic Duo back together.
Consider Tuesday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as an example. The Oilers had a slow start, and the Maple Leafs dominated the early moments. Despite this, Knoblauch remained composed and patient. Stuart Skinner’s exceptional performance in goal also contributed to the Oilers getting back into the game. Additionally, Knoblauch made a strategic decision to separate McDavid from Auston Matthews’s line, providing the offense with the opportunity to rediscover their rhythm.
Since assuming the coaching role, Knoblauch has instilled a sense of structure and patience in the Edmonton Oilers. The players recognized the need for improved defensive performance, and while the roster remained unchanged, they shifted their focus from constantly pursuing offense to playing more sound defense. This adjustment has not only strengthened their defensive capabilities but has also enabled them to rediscover their offensive prowess.
Even when facing adversity, the Edmonton Oilers are now sticking to the game plan rather than attempting to force the issue. This disciplined approach was evident not only in the recent game against Toronto but also dates back to just before the beginning of their remarkable 11-game winning streak in New Jersey.
Analyzing the game, it unfolded like a tale of three parts. The Oilers exerted dominance in the first, New Jersey seized control in the second, and the Oilers managed to net three goals in a span of 69 seconds to kick off the third period. Even during the second period of that game, the Oilers had opportunities, despite facing adversity. Importantly, they remained committed to their game plan, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.
“No, I said. As cliche as it is, it was kind of just sticking with what we’d liked, McDavid said when asked if anything was said before the second and third periods. “We liked a lot of parts of our game. We felt like we shouldn’t been down, but we were, you know, kind of felt that little bit like the Winnipeg game, if you can remember. Remember that a while ago when we kind of carried the play and we’re down on one and just kind of hung in there and found a way to win.”
The message of just sticking with it and not forcing too many things does not just come from the head coach, but it is a message the group has taken to heart.
“I think just from the group, it’s a group thing, Oilers forward Ryan McLeod told Full Press Hockey. “If you look at all the analytics and things we’re doing a lot, and we’re, you know, we’re controlling most of the games and just kind of bearing down our chances when we got them, and in keeping the puck out of the net you know, I think just little details, and you know should be able to get all the run.”
In their recent stretch, the Edmonton Oilers embarked on a franchise-record 11-game winning streak, a feat even the Wayne Gretzky-led Oilers of the 1980s never achieved. The dividends of adhering to the patient approach and sticking with the game plan have become evident for the Oilers. Since Kris Knoblauch assumed the role of head coach, the team boasts an impressive record of 21 wins and 6 losses, positioning themselves to secure one of the top three spots in the Pacific Division.
