Curtis Lazar couldn’t play, and Kris Knoblauch quickly saw how different the Edmonton Oilers’ lower lines are without him.
It was obvious right away.
This isn’t just about how many goals are scored.
It’s about having a steady presence.
Oilers lacking steady performance in their team lineup.
Edmonton has been struggling with injuries throughout their team.
Leon Draisaitl is out.
Trent Frederic is not available.
Mattias Janmark is also missing games. And many other players keep coming in and out of the lineup. This kind of situation really tests how deep the team is.
Lazar has been part of the solution.
He’s not a star player.
He’s not in the top six.
But he plays the same solid way every game. That’s what they’ve been missing.
When he’s on the ice, everything flows smoothly.
Pucks get cleared out properly.
The forechecking remains steady.
It’s these little things that add up over a full game.
Curtis Lazar was missed by this Edmonton Oilers bottom six.
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Without him, those important details fall apart. That’s when winning becomes tougher.
“It’s wild to say this, but he’s been one of the most reliable players in the Oilers’ roster. He doesn’t show off, but you can see how much his presence means every game. . . What seemed like a minor signing is proving to be way more significant.
Especially as the season nears the end.
No one thought Lazar would become this crucial.
When Edmonton signed him, people thought it was just to add extra depth.
A backup player to fill spots.
Nothing else.
But now he’s found a real role within the team.
This happens when a player gains the trust of the coaches.
Coaches like to know what they can expect.
And Lazar provides that.
Shift after shift.
Now that he’s out, you can really feel the difference.
That’s usually the best way to measure how valuable a player is.
Not just how the team performs when he’s playing.
But how things change when he’s not.
For the Oilers, this time is about handling injuries and keeping things organized.
They still have their star players.
But they need everyone else to step up.
That’s where Lazar plays an important role.
And that’s why his absence is a bigger deal than it seems at first glance.
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