The Oilers have come out of the 4 Nations break with a whimper and dating back to before the break have their first 4 game losing streak of the season. There is plenty of runway left for this team to regroup but today I think it's time to talk about some of Knoblauch's decisionmaking.

Every coach has their favorite players and their guys who stay in the dog house. Knoblauch has shown to be a coach who very much like Dave Tippett, is completely risk-adverse, favoring players like Janmark where nothing happens when they are on the ice instead of players like Jeff Skinner who can produce but also have some risk to their game.

Jeff Skinner was playing some great hockey prior to the break on a line with Leon Draisaitl, scoring and providing assists. Coming out of the break Skinner was put back onto the fourth line....scored.... and was healthy scratched the following game in favor of Janmark. On a team that is absolutely starved for goals right now, Skinner should be a staple in the top six.

Another player that is getting love from the coach that has not shown why is Victor Arvidsson. In his last 10 games, Arvidsson has 1 goal and 2 assists - worse I am not seeing him involved physically or providing volume shooting. He has not registered a shot in two of his last three games.

Podkolzin is another play who received a ton of praise from his coach who is starting to dip down the lineup. Podkolzin is an easy guy to root for, he works hard and does some great things along the boards... but most of those aspects are best suited for a 4th line and not the top six, particularly because he just isn't doing anything to move the dial offensively. In his last 10 games, playing mainly with Leon Draisaitl who is having a career year, Podkolzin has 0 goals, 1 assist, and 6 shots. Leon might like playing with him but he just isn't doing anywhere close to enough.
'
Another staple of Oilers coaches seems to be not putting rookies in chances to succeed. Savoie has looked very good in these few games and along with Draisaitl has been one of the few forwards in these games who looked threatening when they were on the ice. Savoie appears to be scratched tonight while players like Janmark and Arvidsson remain in the top nine.

This is the first major challenge that Knoblauch has really faced as Oilers coach and right now I have not been inspired by his decision making. Tonight Edmonton plays another Stanley Cup Final rematch - here's hoping this is the wake up call they desperately need.

Join the Discussion: » 7 Comments » Post New Comment

» An Honest Conversation on Stuart Skinner

» McDavid's Golden Goal, Savoie, Back to it

» Eliminating the Stigma Around Bouchard

» Trade Rumors: Donato, Gibson, Dobson

» Random Thoughts - Oilers, Flames, Capitals, Avalanche