The Edmonton Oilers entered this past weekend needing to turn things around after an inconsistent stretch of games. Instead, they delivered back-to-back lackluster performances, suffering a 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday followed by an embarrassing 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Washington Capitals on Sunday. These games further exposed a troubling pattern under head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers simply cannot put together a full 60-minute effort, and his constant line juggling is becoming more frustrating by the game. At what point does the organization decide that Knoblauch is not the right coach to lead this team forward?
Inconsistent Effort, Inconsistent Results
One of the biggest criticisms of Knoblauch’s tenure so far is his inability to get this team to play a complete game. Too often, the Oilers have stretches of dominance but then fall into bad habits, allowing games to slip away. This was evident over the weekend, where the team had brief spurts of strong play but ultimately looked overwhelmed and disorganized for large portions of both games. A team with this much talent should not be collapsing so frequently.
While it is fair to say that players also bear responsibility for their performances, the coach’s job is to instill structure, discipline, and confidence. Right now, the Oilers look like a team that is unsure of itself, often chasing the game rather than dictating the pace. That falls directly on Knoblauch’s shoulders.
Frustrating Lineup Decisions
Another area of concern is Knoblauch’s apparent lack of patience with his lines. He seems to be in a constant state of experimentation, desperately searching for combinations that work. While adjustments are necessary when a team is struggling, there comes a point when too much shuffling prevents players from developing chemistry.
A prime example is Jeff Skinner. Skinner is known for his offensive ability, yet Knoblauch has barely given him any opportunities in the top six. Instead, he has been buried in the bottom six, making it difficult for him to contribute effectively. Offensive players need to play with other offensive players—placing Skinner in a checking role wastes his skill set. Then, when he fails to produce, people question his effectiveness. The reality is that he has been set up to fail.
Meanwhile, Knoblauch’s decision to roll out a line of Vasily Podkolzin, Connor McDavid, and Kasperi Kapanen only further emphasizes his desperation to find something that works. While Kapanen has speed and Podkolzin has some upside, neither is the ideal fit alongside McDavid. These choices suggest that Knoblauch is merely throwing things at the wall and hoping something sticks, rather than implementing a clear strategy.
Is It Time for a Change?
Given these ongoing issues, it is worth asking whether the Oilers need to consider making a coaching change. The team made a deep playoff run last year, but the current state of play suggests that Knoblauch has not been able to carry that momentum forward. His inability to get the most out of his roster, combined with his puzzling lineup decisions, could soon lead to frustration within the locker room. If that happens, a change behind the bench may become inevitable.
The Oilers are built to win now. They cannot afford to waste anytime due to coaching shortcomings. If Knoblauch cannot find a way to get this team playing to its potential soon, general manager Stan Bowman may have no choice but to make a move before it is too late.