Kris Knoblauch praised the Edmonton Oilers power play after their 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche. The victory marked Edmonton’s second straight win, and special teams played a major role in the result.
Edmonton scored two power-play goals on four chances, and Knoblauch pointed out that the unit has delivered all season. Speaking to the media after the win, he said that the group continues to find solutions against strong penalty kills, like that of the Avalanche (82.4%).
"Well, I don't know," Knoblauch said when asked about how the Oilers' power play was effective. "That's just what this power play's been doing all year. Over 30 percent. I've seen a lot of good penalty kills, but our guys usually have an answer for it."
Oilers powerplay continues clicking
Knoblauch pointed to several players who drive the power play. Evan Bouchard provides a dangerous shot from the blue line. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl create chances through passing and movement. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman also play key roles near the net.
"Whether it's Bouchard with his shot or McDavid and Draisaitl making plays, or Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman finding ways to score goals," Knoblauch said. "They do have a good penalty kill, but I have a lot of respect for our power play."
For the Oilers, goals were scored by Nugent-Hopkins (two), McDavid (game winner), and Jack Roslovic. For the Avalanche, goals were scored by Ross Colton, Martin Necas, and Valeri Nichushkin.
McDavid delivered the winning goal on a power play with skillful teamwork. That goal came midway through the third period and secured Edmonton’s 4-3 victory.
Now, Edmonton leads the NHL with a 33.1 percent power-play rate. It has played a big role in the Oilers' 32-25-8 record this season.
Looking ahead towards the playoffs
The Oilers have 17 games left until the end of the regular season and have been playing well as of late, thanks in large part due to their highly effective powerplay.
Historically, the Oilers powerplay has been a big part of their success in both the regular season and playoffs, helping carry the club to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances.