Oilers analyst reveals GM could make huge decision after tonight's game vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Photo credit: Brad Penner - Imagn Images
Hockey writer and analyst Allan Mitchell believes the Oilers are at a crossroads, and the decisions its head coach makes moving forward will lead to either success, or failure.
If the Oilers don't win tonight, then Stan Bowman has some tough decisions to make about this club and the direction of this season. Make no mistake, this is a pressure point for the franchise.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Oilers' skill and game plan not working for head coach
There is no questioning the individual talent on this Oilers' club; but the style that coach Kris Knoblauch is employing is better suited for the players he had last season that are no longer with the team.
Players like Corey Perry and Evander Kane could play along the boards and in the slot, disrupting the defense and being a general nuisance, as can Zach Hyman, who's yet to play a game this season.
Though this edition of the Oilers is faster and more talented, it lacks the grit and physicality to carry-out what the coach needs from them - the coach's game plan doesn't suit his personnel.
While speaking on Sports 1440 this morning with Kevin Karius and Eddie Steele, Allan Mitchell had this to say about the Oilers:
The Oilers are a boring team right now. It is inconvenient to argue now, today, that five-on-five outlets and five-on-five offense is the real problem. After all the team got caved for nine goals on Saturday. I believe this is a major problem.
The game plan Knoblauch employs isn't suited small wingers that don't crash and bang in the corners down low, and a defense that isn't moving the puck to its skilled forwards to create rush chances and transitions.
Instead, the coach is relying on tip passes at the blue line, which the forwards need to chase down in the corners and outwork the opposition for the puck.
Players like Trent Frederick are too slow to get to the puck in time to create a cycle and forecheck, and players like Howard and Savoie, though they're quick and skilled, lack the aggression to play Knoblauch's style.
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