Kris Knoblauch at an Oilers Game (Via Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers saw another opportunity slip away Tuesday night. Despite a dominant third-period push that saw them outshoot their visitors 13-3 in the final frame, the home side could not overcome a two-goal deficit as New Jersey held on for a 2-1 victory at Rogers Place.The loss marked a frustrating pattern for a club desperately trying to build momentum in the standings. Edmonton entered the contest riding a two-game winning streak and looking to string together three consecutive victories for the first time all season, only to fall short once again in a tight contest that exposed lingering concerns about the team’s approach and consistency.
Kris Knoblauch questions Oilers’ urgency after third-period turnover last night
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the defeat with candid observations about his team’s mentality through the opening 40 minutes. When asked how the third period looked so different from the first two, Knoblauch pointed to a critical shift in urgency.”We just played with urgency and simplicity,” Knoblauch said. “We just wanted to win in the third period, where I think we just kind of thought it was going to be easy. Once we dug in in the third period and showed its emergency and nothing fancy, we didn’t drop any plays.”Knobauch believes that once the team played with more seriousness, they got a lot faster and even ended up winning some more battles. However, while the franchise also got a few scoring chances, Edmonton couldn’t capitalize on the occasion, and New Jersey took the win.The assessment drew a pointed follow-up question about whether it was frustrating that the team thought victory would come easily, given Edmonton has not won three straight games all season. Knoblauch did not shy away from the concern.”Absolutely, yeah, the fact that we haven’t been able to get a little run,” Knoblauch said. “We want to obviously get some momentum and win some games in a row, and that’s how you climb up the standings. I like the fact that we respond well after losses.”While the Oilers continue to have a good record of 25-18-8 as they stand second in the Pacific Division just behind Vegas, Knoblauch wants something more. He wants Edmonton to finally get that third win in a row and start building momentum for the playoffs.The Oilers will have the chance to avenge this loss on Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Penguins pay a visit to Rogers Place. Sidney Crosby looks to be in top form, so Edmonton will need to bring their A-game unless they want to drop another game.