“I was not motivated”: Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch gets brutally honest about slow start to the season after gruelling Stanley Cup playoff run
The 2024-2025 season for the Edmonton Oilers has been one of mixed expectations, with the team struggling at times to find its rhythm after a grueling playoff run the year prior. While the Oilers boast one of the most talented rosters in the league, there has been a noticeable difference in their performance from the beginning of the season. This led to a brutal yet candid revelation from head coach Kris Knoblauch, who recently admitted that his slow start to the season was largely due to a lack of motivation following the tough and emotionally draining playoff run that ended with them falling short of the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.
In an eye-opening and vulnerable interview, Knoblauch discussed his struggles to get the team back to a competitive mindset after the emotional and physical toll of the previous postseason. He was open about how the lingering effects of that lengthy playoff battle impacted his approach to the 2024-2025 campaign. His transparency offers a deeper look into the mental and emotional demands that come with leading a high-profile team like the Oilers, and how those pressures can sometimes affect the overall success of a team.
The Aftermath of a Grueling Stanley Cup Playoff Run
The Edmonton Oilers’ 2023-2024 postseason was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with the team ultimately falling short of their championship goal. Despite the individual brilliance of players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the team’s potent offense, they could not find a way to make it past the Western Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by a surging Colorado Avalanche squad.
It was a heartbreaking end for the Oilers, who had visions of hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1990. The series loss weighed heavily on the team, with many players clearly feeling the sting of coming so close but failing to reach the ultimate goal. The emotional toll of a deep playoff run is often underestimated, but for a team like the Oilers, who had invested everything into the pursuit of a Cup, the fallout can be more profound than just the loss on the ice.
For Kris Knoblauch, the head coach who had guided the team through its playoff run, the sting of the defeat was something that lingered long after the final buzzer sounded. While he is known for his ability to motivate and push his players, Knoblauch admitted that even he struggled to find that same fire as the 2024-2025 season began. The lingering disappointment from last year’s playoff exit played a large role in the Oilers’ underwhelming start to this season.
“I was not motivated at the start of the season,” Knoblauch admitted in his interview. “After the grind of the playoffs, everything felt like it had taken so much out of me. I wasn’t where I needed to be mentally, and that carried over to the team. You can’t be in that kind of place and expect the players to be fully engaged when the season begins. It took some time for me to get back to the right mindset, and for the team to follow suit.”
The Impact on the Team’s Performance
Knoblauch’s admission of a lack of motivation to start the season was more than just a personal reflection—it was an acknowledgment of how his mental state had affected the team’s overall performance. The Oilers’ early-season struggles were apparent, as they failed to find their usual rhythm and consistency, especially on the defensive end. Their offensive game, while potent at times, was often too inconsistent, and the Oilers’ well-established defensive vulnerabilities were on full display.
The Oilers had long been known for their explosive offense, led by the duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, but they were also aware that they needed to shore up their defensive play to compete for the Cup. However, with Knoblauch not fully engaged at the start of the season, it became more difficult to impose a defensively responsible system on the team. Communication was lacking at times, and players were caught out of position more frequently than in past seasons. The overall structure of the team was disjointed, and it took time for the coaching staff to get back on track.
“It’s a domino effect,” Knoblauch explained. “As the head coach, I set the tone for the team. When I’m not at my best, it affects how the players approach each game. It’s my responsibility to bring the energy and motivation that the players need to be successful. Without that, it’s tough to get the results you want.”
The Oilers’ slow start to the season was not solely due to Knoblauch’s admitted motivational struggles, but it certainly played a role. The team’s performance reflected a lack of sharpness and focus, two key ingredients needed for a team that has aspirations of being a contender. With McDavid and Draisaitl continuing to put up impressive individual numbers, the rest of the team struggled to find the consistency necessary to elevate their game to championship levels.
A Shift in Mentality
Recognizing that the Oilers’ slow start was unacceptable, Kris Knoblauch took it upon himself to address the situation head-on. He knew that the team could not afford to let a lack of motivation continue to derail their season. He focused on resetting his own mindset and ensuring that his coaching staff and players did the same. Knoblauch’s honesty about his struggles was the first step in the process of regaining the team’s focus.
In recent weeks, the Oilers have shown signs of improvement. Their offensive firepower has returned to form, and their defensive play has started to tighten up. The team is playing with more purpose, and Knoblauch’s leadership has been a key factor in that shift. He took ownership of his early-season struggles, but he also made sure to address the mental aspects of the game that had been holding the team back.
“I had to get back to being the leader I know I can be,” Knoblauch said. “I’ve always been a coach who tries to stay positive and push the team to be better. I had to remind myself that this is a new season and a fresh start. You can’t carry the baggage of the past into the present. We’ve got to focus on the now.”
The Importance of Mental Fortitude for the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a team with significant expectations, and for good reason. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers are capable of competing with the best in the league. However, as Knoblauch’s comments have shown, mental fortitude is just as important as physical preparation in hockey. The team had to shake off the emotional toll of last year’s playoff run and find their motivation to go after the championship again this season.
The Oilers’ early-season struggles were an example of how even the most talented teams can falter if their mental game isn’t in sync. It was a reminder that motivation and mental clarity are key ingredients for any championship-caliber team. Knoblauch’s ability to reflect on his shortcomings and take ownership of the situation speaks to his leadership qualities. He has shown that great coaches are not only able to teach the game of hockey but also manage the mental and emotional aspects of the sport.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Oilers continue to build on their recent improvement. The team has the talent to be a Cup contender, but they must stay mentally focused and ensure that their motivation remains high. Knoblauch’s honesty has allowed the team to reset, and the signs of progress are evident. If the Oilers can continue to develop a strong mental game, they will be a dangerous team come playoff time.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Finish to the Season?
As the Oilers move forward in the 2024-2025 season, they will need to build on the momentum they’ve started to generate in recent weeks. Their success will not only depend on the individual brilliance of McDavid and Draisaitl but also on the collective effort of the entire team. With Knoblauch’s leadership now firmly in place, the Oilers will look to carry the lessons of the past few months into the latter half of the season.
The team must continue to focus on their mental game, ensuring that their motivation remains high throughout the ups and downs of the regular season. If they can remain focused, develop greater consistency across all areas of their play, and stay mentally tough, the Oilers will be in a strong position to make a deep playoff run and, ultimately, compete for a Stanley Cup.
