Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Coach Knoblauch call out Oilers for new trend this year
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers blew another multi-goal lead to the Dallas Stars last night, and fell in the shootout to drop their record to a mediocre 6-5-4 record.
The Oilers are officially stumbling out of the gate once again. The team's offence has taken a significant step back, their defence is showing strain, and the goaltending is still a major concern. Not much is working at all, and now they're blowing leads too.
Oilers veterans call out the team after yet another blown lead
Last night was the 4th game the Oilers had lost after taking a multi-goal lead, something that's become far too common early this year.
The longest tenured Oiler was one to speak out about the developing issue. Nugent-Hopkins said the Oilers blown lead issue is becoming unacceptable, and needs to be fixed.
We let them come at us too much. We know we're capable of closing games out like this but we have to start showing it.
It's too many of these right now. It's something we need to fix.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
It's too many of these right now. It's something we need to fix.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Coach Knoblauch echoed the same statement, adding that he feels the Oilers are sitting back and giving the opposition a chance to get back into a game.
It's one thing if the opposition is making good plays and beating your coverage. But we're just making mistakes where we're GIVING them opportunities.
- Coach Knobaluch
- Coach Knobaluch
One factor that may be adding to their issues of blown-leads is their new approach to offence this season. Edmonton is playing a much more conservative offensive game, which puts more focus on their defensive play and goaltending to come through.
However, blowing 4 multi goal leads in just 15 games - and only owning 6 wins - is a major issue for an Edmonton team that expects to contend for the Cup. They need to immediately figure out their issues, and kick their play into mid-season form.
TRENDING NOW
