This is the second time in two months that the top players of the Oilers have criticized their coaches.
The NHL season for 2025-26 has been difficult for the Edmonton Oilers, with lots of ups and downs during the regular season so far. Right now, they are in third place in the weaker Pacific Division, but if they were in any other division, they would barely hold on to a wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
There have been times this year when the Oilers were out of the playoff race, and there have been even more moments when they haven’t played like a team that deserves to make the playoffs. Their current losing streak shows this well, as they were clearly outperformed and outscored in recent games against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, losing 4-0 and 5-2.
There is plenty of responsibility to share, but the Oilers’ main stars have been steady in what they say. Leon Draisaitl mentioned before the Olympic break that the issues “begin with the coaches. ” Those strong words likely caused some big changes with the coaches for the Oilers, and the latest remarks from Oilers star and captain Connor McDavid are just as serious.
McDavid impressed by Jon Cooper and Tampa Bay Lightning
After the Oilers lost their second game in a row against the Lightning on Saturday, McDavid praised the other team. After their 5-2 loss, when he talked about the Lightning, McDavid said, “They’re really well coached, they’re very organized. They practice everything they do a lot. It’s very impressive, and when you do get a chance to score on them, they have a fantastic goalie to stop you.” This is according to Oilers TSN reporter, Ryan Rishaug on X, which used to be called Twitter.
McDavid’s thoughts after the game about the Lightning
“They have an awesome way of playing. Their coach does a fantastic job. Everyone knows their role on the ice. It’s really impressive. They are a strong team. ”
“They are really well coached and very organized. They practice a lot in. . .
Later, when Rishaug asked him how the Oilers could improve their game plan, McDavid responded, “That’s a question for the coach. You should ask Knobber that. We’ve been playing together for quite a while, and we think we’re somewhat organized and practice hard, but not at their level. ”
Even though it’s not obvious, it’s definitely an indirect negative comment regarding the coaching styles of the Oilers compared to the teams that have won the Stanley Cup twice. That’s how it seems.
I fully believe that McDavid wouldn’t badmouth his coach to the press on purpose, but we can’t ignore the fact that the two biggest stars on the Oilers have both said negative things about their coaching.
Kris Knoblauch should be held responsible
It’s clear that this season has not turned out as anyone would have wanted. If the Oilers don’t make a deep run in the playoffs, it’s likely that there will be a change in coaching, which probably means that Kris Knoblauch will be let go.
There have been many criticisms about Knoblauch and how he has led the team. While he can’t control how well the goalie plays, it’s obvious that the strategies and player roles used by the Oilers have faced tough criticism, and it’s well-earned.
Particularly with the way Knoblauch has used his younger and rookie players, he has definitely earned some criticism.
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