"Get a grip": Oilers coach Knobaluch criticized for wild decision to start this season

The Oilers have deployed an absurd amount of different line combinations already this season, testing almost every player playing in different situations.

At the same time the Oilers offence is struggling at 5v5, which is causing some patience to run thin with Knoblauch's experiments.

Oilers fan and analysts have found that Edmonton hasn't played a single line combination for more than 30 minutes yet this season. In effect, no group of forwards have had extended playing time together.

This is a phenomenon completely unique to the Edmonton Oilers. After the preseason and first games of the regular season, there are 3.3 lines per team that have played more than 30 minutes together - but the Oilers don't have any.

Even if arguing that Knoblauch is looking for data on multiple combinations, the sample sizes are so small that it's basically worthless.

At the same time, some Oilers forwards including Connor McDavid have noted that the team is playing «out of synch» recently. It's possible that's a product of playing alongside a different linemates every game.

Continuity of linemates can be extremely helpful for players to develop chemistry with their pairings, and take on a role that they can fit into every night.

Knoblauch needs to eventually commit to some actual lineups, and hope their players can find another gear when settled into the year.