Oilers coach called out for usage of McDavid and Draisaitl early this season
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Fans and analysts alike have expressed concern over coach Kris Knoblauch's over-usage of the Oilers' two superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Superstars at risk of fatigue and injury, if frantic pace continues
The obvious concern of over-playing the team's two best players is, of course, fatigue, and its effects, like increased risk of injury, reduced performance, and diminished effectiveness in critical moments.
Granted, it is early in the season and there is no risk of these happening at the moment, but the minutes by which they are being deployed far exceed their previous year's average of just over 21:00 TOI, and the NHL's top-TOI this year.
McDavid's TOI this season has been 24:11, and Draisaitl's 23:37, good for the top-two in the league. It's a pace that cannot be sustained for any length of time, without risk.
Forward depth at risk of not being engaged and under-used
The other concern is the number of depth-players that are not getting minutes from the coach; receiving limited ice time restricts player development and confidence, creating an imbalance in the lineup.
This top-heavy approach that Kris Knoblauch has adapted this season could be the result of outside pressure to do well and get off to a good start, after losing it's second-straight Cup Finals.
After four games, the Oilers are 2-1-1, good for third in the Pacific Division with 5 points. Though a decent start, it's not the fast-start the team had hoped for, with goaltending being one of the reasons.
Over-compensating for this fact by over-playing McDavid and Draisaitl may not be the best strategy for the head coach.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 17 | 383 ANSWERS Oilers coach called out for usage of McDavid and Draisaitl early this season Are McDavid and Draisaitl being over-played in the first 4 games? | ||
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