Oilers coach Knoblauch set to make shake-up roster move, says insider
Photo credit: Tav Morisson - Oilers Nation
In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman was very clear about what the Oilers need to spark the team's intensity this season.
I'm waiting for Kris Knoblauch to pull some shock benching to wake up everyone. There was a hilarious post-game interview last weekend with AHL Bakersfield's Connor Clattenburg, a first-year pro out of OHL Flint. I don't know that he's ready for NHL action, but I thought his energy is what they need.
Oilers lacking fight and no-quit attitude
The Edmonton Oilers acquired Clattenburg to beef-up its prospect pool, signing him to a three-year entry-level contract. He may not bring offense to the table, but on a squad that desperately needs physicality, he may have something better for now.
Friedman went on to say that the Oilers are too good to continue on their trajectory; that slow-starts to the season is nothing new. Yet, he also referred to the club as being 'vanilla', and that is new. That's hasn't been the team's identity - until now.
Whatever he's doing, it seems that coach Knoblauch is not getting the most from his players, and it's showing on the ice and in the general attitude of the team.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Edmonton has only had nine 5v5 rush attempts in their first 21 games. For a team that is defined by its speed and elite skill, this is problematic.
Add to that a lack of aggression, and you have a real problem on your hands. Unfortunately, Connor Clattenburg is not quite ready for the NHL. But the Oilers have the staff that play his physical style - they just aren't playing that way.
There have also been rumours that Edmonton was thinking of bringing Paul Coffey back as a defensive specialist, but nothing has been confirmed. Of course, they don't need Coffey himself behind the bench to tell them what the players already know.
I would start by throwing hits and be relentless on the forecheck and cycle. And then see what happens.
TRENDING NOW
