“Shell of ourselves”: Oilers coach nails the big problem in loss to Tampa Bay Lightning


Coach Knoblauch

Photo credit: Edmonton oilers Raw

The Edmonton Oilers gave one of their best efforts of the season in tonight’s 3-2 overtime loss to Tampa Bay, but still had one major issue cost them the game.

Unlike recent games, the Oilers defence excelled at preventing high-danger chances and Calvin Pickard kept them in the game – but tonight, the offence let them down.

Oilers coach Knoblauch admits team is completely shelled after loss to Tampa

Speaking to the media postgame, Coach Knoblauch nailed the reason for tonight’s loss: the Oilers offence sat back with the game tied, while Tampa made a push to win.

Saw a lot of good defensive plays tonight, and obviously Picks had a heck of a game, especially in the 3rd period.

But you see we have a fragile group in the 3rd period. You know, a shell of ourselves. Not wanting to make a mistake when holding on, and when you hold on, you just have to defend over and over again.

– Coach Knoblauch

In reality, this has become a trend for the Oilers over recent weeks.

Tonight Edmonton scored first, and then immediately saw a major reduction in their offensive chances. The Oilers only generated 1.62 expected goals in regulation, with most coming in the first period.

The Oilers had a tough assignment on the second half of a back to back tonight, but for the Coach to call his team a shell of themselves while continuing this trend is clearly an area to watch. It’s apparently not the coach’s strategy to play defensive if he’s unhappy about sitting back.

Finally the Oilers road trip will wrap up with a Cup Final rematch against the Florida Panthers. After these 7 games, the Oilers will be just dying to return home.

Previously on Oilers Daily

POLL

22 HOURS AGO   |   358 ANSWERS

“Shell of ourselves”: Oilers coach nails the big problem in loss to Tampa Bay Lightning

Do you think the Oilers are sitting back too much when protecting leads?

OILERSDAILY.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  –  POLICIES