Oilers coach Knoblauch does not tell the truth when asked on strategy changes
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers have obviously made some strategy changes this season, but when asked directly, Coach Knoblauch denied it.
The actual systems the Oilers are deploying this season have been called into question as the team struggles to generate much offence at 5v5, something that's never been a problem before. Analysts are confident there's a different system here, but the Coach won't admit it to the media.
Oilers coach Knoblauch says team is still using last year's systems
Speaking to the media at yesterday's practice, Coach Knoblauch said there hasn't been any changes from last year until just recently.
We have been playing the exact same systems as we did the previous two years. We've talked about things, things will work out, things will turn around.
It's gotten to the point where things haven't turned around 20+ games into the season. Now we're starting to alter some things.
- Coach Knoblauch
It's gotten to the point where things haven't turned around 20+ games into the season. Now we're starting to alter some things.
- Coach Knoblauch
The number one aspect that analysts have been poking holes in is the Oilers' breakouts, which look like they've run on a different system all year.
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell has been tracking the notable increase in stretch-pass breakouts this season, which would surely be a systemic change.
The number of low percentage passes out of the zone have increased this year, as coach Kris Knoblauch appears to be downbeat on the ability of his forwards to transport the puck under control.
This is important stuff, because the roster is designed to move the puck quickly and under control. So, the gap between forwards and defense, which has increased, welcomes the stretch pass but sacrifices control.
- Allan Mitchell
This is important stuff, because the roster is designed to move the puck quickly and under control. So, the gap between forwards and defense, which has increased, welcomes the stretch pass but sacrifices control.
- Allan Mitchell
Hockey analyst and coaching specialist Jack Han also agrees the system has been changed and references the team's spacing - which is very noticeable with the stretch passes. Clearly, the results aren't as good as they were last year.
The Oilers have had very limited practice time early in this season due to a gruelling schedule, and it's reassuring that Knoblauch is now looking at changing some things. They appear to be overdue.
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