Oilers coach Knoblauch calls out some players not impacting lineup
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
During Vancouver's post-game interview, Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch commented on what he didn't like about the game, and about one player in particular whose game he did.
At certain times we've had lines going, certain players. We just need to get more guys involved and contributing a little bit more.
Turnovers...It's nice to make plays hitting the blueline, but if it's not there, you're giving up a lot. That part of our game I didn't like.
- Coach Knoblauch
Turnovers...It's nice to make plays hitting the blueline, but if it's not there, you're giving up a lot. That part of our game I didn't like.
- Coach Knoblauch
Centre's play bright spot on Oilers' lineup
Though it hasn't been the kind of start to the season the Oilers had hoped, they are getting production from one of the team's and fans' more beloved players.
Nugent-Hopkins has been an effective forward in the first 10 games. With him on the ice, the Oilers regularly control the shot attempt share, scoring chance share, and expected goal share, while breaking even in terms of actual goal share, as per HockeyViz
"Very versatile player," Knoblauch said after the Vancouver game. "Whether you want him in a defensive-checking role, centre, left-wing, PK, PP...These kind of players, as a coach you appreciate. Nice to see him get the offense he has this year."
Though he produced at a much lower rate in the 2024-25 regular season, in the playoffs Nuge scored 6G and 20 points in 22 games, and has continued producing in this regular season, scoring 5G and 11 points in 10 games played.
Nugent-Hopkins is also very close to having his name etched into the record books this season, as he will likely pass Kevin Lowe's current franchise record of 1037 games played. He needs another 69 to set the new record.
Before that, however, Nuge needs to play just another 31 games to reach the 1000 game mark, a milestone that will have been well-deserved and earned by the career Edmonton Oiler.
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