Oilers coach sends a hard message to entire roster without McDavid and Draisaitl
Photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch feels that there's an opportunity for many players within his roster to step up due to the absence of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Both superstars went down to injury last Saturday during their last couple of games against the Utah Hockey Club and the Winnipeg Jets as Knoblauch thinks this will be a great opportunity for players to be ready for the playoffs.
Knoblauch tells all players to step up their game
During his latest presser, Knoblauch explains that several players on his roster will need to step up their game and give themselves a good opportunity to find their game along with their confidence as their ice time will increase and their power play opportunities will be there.
We hope in the long run that this is good for us. Losing Connor and Leon, do we ever want them out of the lineup? No. But collectively for our team, we want to be at our best for the playoffs. This little break without having those two, maybe that helps other guys find their game & they're able to step it up... Hopefully they can build a little confidence - Coach Kris Knoblauch
McDavid had suffered a lower body injury during the second period during their overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets and Draisaitl also suffered an injury which remains undisclosed which occurred during their 7-1 win against Utah back on March
18th.
Oilers looking for a strong finish to the season
Despite the major set back with both players out, the Oilers are looking for a strong finish their season as they are currently 3rd in the Pacific division Penn remains five points behind the Vegas golden Knights with 12 games left in the season.
The Oilers have gone 6-3-1 of their past 10 games, they will play against the Stars, Kraken, Flames and the Golden Knights in their next four games which will help dictate where they finish at the end of the year.
It remains to be seen on when their stars will return but the Oilers will receive even more reinforcements when Evander Kane and newly acquired Trent Frederic will be ready to go coupled with Draisaitl an McDavid returning to the line up.
| POLL | ||
MARS 25 | 520 ANSWERS Oilers coach sends a hard message to entire roster without McDavid and Draisaitl Will the Oilers players step up their game with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl absence? | ||
| Yes | 406 | 78.1 % |
| No | 114 | 21.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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