The Edmonton Oilers may be considering a coaching change shortly after their loss to the Calgary Flames, according to NHL insiders.
This week, Knoblauch and the Oilers’ coaching staff have been under a lot of strain because a number of the team’s issues have gotten out of hand. The penalty kill is terrible, the defence isn’t playing up to standard, and the players who aren’t on the starting lineup are struggling to find a spot.
Multiple insiders say the Oilers coaching staff might be in trouble. On the latest episode of the Barn Burner Podcast, TSN insider Darren Dreger said that Coach Knoblauch is facing more questions about his job safety.
I believe the pressure on Knoblauch will increase from now on.
There’s been talk about it, but I’m not claiming a change is definitely happening. However, considering the break and how the Oilers are doing in the standings, I think this chatter will grow.
– Darren Dreger
During the radio broadcast, insider Bob Stauffer suggested that tonight’s game could be more important than most people think and strongly criticized how the Oilers set up their penalty kill.
With these problems becoming serious, one coaching change that might help is replacing coach Mark Stuart. He is responsible for the defense and penalty kill, and those areas are struggling.
With Leon Draisaitl now pointing out issues with the coaching staff, there might be even more pressure to make changes.
It is interesting to note that Coach Knoblauch wasn’t hired by the current general manager, Stan Bowman. NHL general managers often prefer to work with coaches they hired instead of keeping the current ones.
Knoblauch is probably safe for the time being because of his strong postseason record over the last two years and the fact that he is set to sign a new deal.
But all bets are off if things go wrong during the playoffs. Anyway, the coaching staff of the Oilers is now officially being investigated. Adjustments will be made, or changes must occur.
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