Oilers Coach Knoblauch reveals real reason why Edmonton hasn't played their best recently
Photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
It was revealed by Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch during a media scrum prior to the game against the Blackhawks that the Edmonton Oilers are currently going through an illness outbreak which has struck down several players.
Coach Knoblauch met with the media ahead of tonight's game in Chicago to discuss illness impacting the team, #Oilers lines & the matchup vs. the Blackhawks at the United Center.
Knoblauch has had to juggle players as illness took hold
Knoblauch acknowledged that the Oilers have been suffering from this illness for quite some time and could be a factor to why they have been struggling as of late.
He also confirmed that he will be separating superstars Leon Draisaitl from Connor McDavid as the Oilers would like to spread out their offence against the Blackhawks who will likely not be a strong match against them.
Connor & crew
The Oilers are still in a great position as they have retaken the lead in the Pacific division with two points over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Over their past 10 games, they have gone 6-3-1 and still hold the best goal differential in the division at plus 30.
It's clear teams to go through these ebbs and flows in their season and if illness has been plaguing the team for the past number of weeks, it's likely the team will come out of this shortly especially with the fact of a two week break due to the Four Nations faceoff tournament.
Jeff Skinner forces a turnover, helping the Oilers create a scoring chance.
Oilers trying to close segment before two-week break
The Oilers along with the rest of the NHL will enjoy their two week break as it will give the teams a chance to heal from their wounds, enjoy some great hockey and resting up for the stretch run.
This will also give teams like the Oilers a chance to go over their lists of what they're looking for the March trade deadline which will be the next major portion of the season. Tonight's game against the Chicago Blackhawks is the final one before the break.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 5 | 385 ANSWERS Oilers Coach Knoblauch reveals real reason why Edmonton hasn't played their best recently Will the Oilers catch the Winnipeg Jets and become the best team in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 187 | 48.6 % |
| No | 198 | 51.4 % |
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