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Oilers locker room may turn on Coach Knoblauch for one lineup move, analyst warns
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are free falling on their current road trip, but analysts are concerned any drastic move may disrupt the locker room chemistry.
Now with a record of 9-9-4 and outside a playoff spot with their forwards, defence, and goaltending underperforming, the Oilers are in major trouble. A shake-up move of any kind may be needed, but management may have to tread lightly.
Oilers analysts warn shake up roster move may turn locker room against Coach
One player who's struggled mightily this season is Brett Kulak. The 31 year old veteran and 5th year Oiler has been brutally outscored at even strength, which makes him a candidate to be taken out as a message.
The only concern is, the Oilers locker room may side with Kulak over management's decision.
Maybe benching Kulak and ending his consecutive game streak would send a message to the locker room. That's one of those moves that a coach can go to that either wakes up the room, or causes the entire room to turn on you. It is a swing out of your shoes kind of thing.
Oilers fans have heard this before, as the locker room has routinely put their foot down for a few players. NHL insiders reported in the offseason that Oilers players made clear to management that Calvin Pickard must stay.
However, things are getting beyond personal loyalties. The Edmonton Oilers are free falling in the standings and can't afford a season like this in McDavid's prime. Players always say hockey is a business, and that applies now.
The Oilers can't be afraid to ruffle some feathers in the locker room to make their team better - whether it's benching Kulak or trading for a goaltender. At this point, the teams may even play better if they're a little ticked off.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 716 ANSWERS Oilers locker room may turn on Coach Knoblauch for one lineup move, analyst warns Do you think the Oilers need to make a shake-up move? | ||
| Yes | 655 | 91.5 % |
| No | 61 | 8.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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