Oilers analyst addresses chance of firing Head Coach Kris Knoblauch
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Oilers had expectations of at least winning the division this season, and now they'll be starting the playoffs without home ice advantage. Some fans point to Coach Knoblauch as the problem.
The Oilers hired Kris Knoblauch as a first time NHL head coach at their worst point last season, and he took the team from the bottom of the standings to the Cup Final - a major success for a rookie coach.
Oilers analyst addresses chance of firing Coach Kris Knoblauch
With the disappointing results this season, many fans have voiced their desire for a coaching change. However, Oilers insider Jason Gregor doesn't believe that should be in the cards for the team this offseason.
To suggest that Knoblauch - I mean, they went to game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. Look at their numbers before Knoblauch, and after.
There's some decisions I don't like with the coach, that's fair, but that doesn't mean «well I don't like this decision so let's get rid of him.» That doesn't mean he's a total chump. To get rid of Kris Knoblauch right now? No. I don't think that'd be the right decision at all.
- Jason Gregor.
There's some decisions I don't like with the coach, that's fair, but that doesn't mean «well I don't like this decision so let's get rid of him.» That doesn't mean he's a total chump. To get rid of Kris Knoblauch right now? No. I don't think that'd be the right decision at all.
- Jason Gregor.
Last season Coach Knoblauch seemed to have a magic touch for adjusting lines, and doing so frequently, to get peak performances out of his depth players. He hasn't quite had that touch this season, especially while the top six isn't scoring as much.
Knoblauch's biggest blind spot really has been the strange benching and misuse of Jeff Skinner. Paired with the decrease in scoring overall, there could bd a fair criticism that Knoblauch is holding back the offence. On a team with McDavid and Draisaitl, as well as poor goaltending, that may not be a great philosophy.
While there could be some fair criticisms on Knoblauch, his results speak for themselves. He's proven he can be an effective NHL coach, and right now, he needs to find a way to get more out of his roster.
Another factor in the decision on Knoblauch's future is his boss, GM Stan Bowman. The new General Manager didn't hire Knoblauch, and oftentimes, new managers do have coaches in mind for their bench.
If the Oilers' results in the playoffs are a big disappointment, there could be a chance for a coaching change.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9 | 773 ANSWERS Oilers analyst addresses chance of firing Head Coach Kris Knoblauch Do you think Kris Knoblauch will be coaching the Oilers to start next season? | ||
| Yes | 536 | 69.3 % |
| No | 237 | 30.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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