Kris Knoblauch, the rookie head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, has been impressed by the performance of star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the playoffs. McDavid leads the playoffs in points, while Draisaitl is tied for second in points. The duo has been instrumental in turning the Oilers’ season around and helping them take a 2-1 series lead against the Los Angeles Kings. Knoblauch, who took over as head coach mid-season, praised McDavid and Draisaitl for their remarkable play in the playoffs.
McDavid and Draisaitl have a history of playoff success, with impressive point totals in their postseason careers. They rank second and third all-time in points per game in the playoffs, trailing only Wayne Gretzky. Knoblauch commended the duo for elevating their play when the stakes are highest, unlike some players who struggle in the postseason. As a first-time head coach in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Knoblauch acknowledged the increased stress and pressure that comes with the postseason but expressed his enjoyment of the experience.
Knoblauch’s coaching career has seen success at various levels, including championships in major junior hockey. He previously coached McDavid during his junior career with the Erie Otters. McDavid praised Knoblauch for his calm demeanor and ability to make effective lineup decisions. Knoblauch’s decision to promote Evander Kane to the second line paid off in a dominant Game 3 victory for the Oilers. The team aims to maintain their momentum and take a 3-1 series lead in Game 4 against the Kings.
While the Oilers have historically excelled on the power play, their penalty kill has been a weakness this season. However, in the playoffs, the team has found success on both special teams, with a strong power play and perfect penalty kill. Forward Zach Hyman highlighted the importance of the improved penalty kill in the series against the Kings. Despite the success of the special teams, Knoblauch has largely kept his lineup consistent, only making minor adjustments like promoting Kane to the top six forwards.
Looking ahead to Game 4, McDavid emphasized the importance of starting strong and matching the Kings’ desperation from the opening faceoff. The Oilers are focused on avoiding a repeat of Game 2, where they fell behind early and struggled to recover. Knoblauch acknowledged the challenging decisions that come with playoff hockey and the need to be prepared for unexpected lineup changes due to injuries. The team is determined to continue their strong play and build on their series lead against the Kings.
