Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch discusses whether the team “stepped up” in the absence of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional hockey, there are few things more daunting than facing an extended period without your two best players. For the Edmonton Oilers, this became a harsh reality as the team was forced to navigate games without their franchise cornerstones, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. As both players dealt with injuries that sidelined them for a stretch of games, the question on everyone’s mind was whether the team could “step up” in their absence. It’s a question that reverberated through the locker room, the fanbase, and the coaching staff alike.

Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ interim head coach, found himself in a tough spot. Stepping in as the team’s leader amidst the pressure of potentially faltering without McDavid and Draisaitl, Knoblauch had to steer the ship in a new direction. Known for his tactical acumen and experience as a head coach in the American Hockey League (AHL), Knoblauch had a good sense of how to push players to their limits. However, doing so without the two players who had been central to the Oilers’ success left a gaping hole.

As the team moved through this challenging period, Knoblauch took time to evaluate whether his players had indeed “stepped up” in McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence. In his post-game interviews and media sessions, Knoblauch delved into how the Oilers were responding, and in doing so, painted a complex picture of a team both fighting adversity and attempting to evolve under trying circumstances.

The Weight of Absence: McDavid and Draisaitl’s Impact on the Oilers

Before diving into the response of the team, it is important to understand the sheer scale of the loss of McDavid and Draisaitl for the Oilers. Both players are more than just stars—they are the heart and soul of the team. McDavid, universally regarded as the best player in the NHL, is the team’s primary offensive engine. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability are unparalleled, making him a constant threat every time he steps on the ice.

Draisaitl, though perhaps a notch behind McDavid in terms of pure skill, is a player of extraordinary talent in his own right. As one of the most complete forwards in the game, Draisaitl contributes not only as a prolific goal scorer but also as a top-tier playmaker. Together, they form the most dominant offensive duo in the league, and their absence leaves a huge void in both the Oilers’ offense and leadership on the ice.

When both players are absent, it isn’t just the loss of scoring that hurts the Oilers. Their leadership, presence in high-pressure moments, and ability to close out games are irreplaceable. In their absence, other players must elevate their game to maintain the competitive edge that McDavid and Draisaitl provide. So, when the Oilers entered a stretch without both stars, it was a test of the team’s character and depth.

Kris Knoblauch’s Leadership in a Time of Crisis

For Knoblauch, the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl presented both a challenge and an opportunity. His first task was to maintain morale, which was not an easy feat considering the daunting prospect of navigating such a turbulent stretch. Knoblauch, who took over as interim head coach after the Oilers parted ways with previous head coach Dave Tippett, was already working under a microscope. The pressure of managing a team missing two of its best players only added to the challenge.

Knoblauch’s coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, strong defensive systems, and a balanced offensive attack. With McDavid and Draisaitl out, the Oilers had no choice but to adapt their strategy. No longer could they rely on the dynamic duo to create offense with their dazzling skills. Instead, the team needed to band together, with players stepping into roles they hadn’t been asked to fill before.

In his media addresses, Knoblauch made it clear that he believed in the ability of his players to step up in these difficult circumstances. He recognized that McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence would test the resolve of the entire team. “We know how important Connor and Leon are to our team,” Knoblauch remarked during one of his press conferences. “But this is a chance for everyone to show what they’re capable of. Everyone has to take on more responsibility, and this is where teams either come together or fall apart.”

Knoblauch stressed that the situation called for a collective effort—no one player or line could replace McDavid and Draisaitl’s production. Instead, the team needed to rally behind a team-first mentality, where multiple players would need to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Assessing the Team’s Response: Did the Oilers Step Up?

In the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl, the question remained: had the Oilers stepped up to the challenge? Knoblauch offered his assessment of how the team had responded, and his analysis was a mixed bag of praise, disappointment, and cautious optimism.

On one hand, there were moments of inspiration. Players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane rose to the occasion. Hyman, in particular, demonstrated his ability to be a driving force on the ice, filling the void left by McDavid and Draisaitl with his physicality, leadership, and scoring touch. Hyman became a key contributor on both special teams and at even strength, leading by example with his tenacity and work ethic. His ability to create chances and battle in front of the net made him an invaluable asset during this stretch.

Evander Kane also stepped up, using his size and offensive ability to make an impact on the scoreboard. His leadership and physicality were key in games where the Oilers needed to play with an edge. Kane’s contributions, particularly on the power play, were essential to keeping the offense afloat in McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence. His grit and willingness to stand up for his teammates helped fill some of the leadership void left by the absence of the team’s top stars.

On the blue line, Tyson Barrie played a pivotal role in generating offense, and even though his contributions were not always enough to make up for the loss of McDavid and Draisaitl, he was a reliable contributor. He added some stability to the defensive corps and helped quarterback the power play, which struggled at times without the presence of McDavid and Draisaitl to dominate the opposition.

However, Knoblauch was also quick to point out that the team had room for improvement. While there were individual efforts from players like Hyman and Kane, the team’s overall play lacked consistency. The Oilers’ offensive output dipped without McDavid and Draisaitl’s elite playmaking, and there were several games where the team struggled to generate scoring chances. The lack of secondary scoring became even more apparent, and in some instances, the team’s defense could not hold up under pressure.

“We need more from everyone,” Knoblauch admitted after a particularly tough loss. “Some players have stepped up, but we can’t afford to rely on just a few guys. We need a full-team effort, and that’s something we’ll continue to emphasize. There’s no excuse for not playing at our best, and everyone needs to be accountable.”

Tactical Adjustments: How Knoblauch Reworked the System

With McDavid and Draisaitl out, Knoblauch was faced with the challenge of adapting his system to fit the available roster. No longer could the team rely on the explosive, high-flying offense that was built around their two superstars. Instead, Knoblauch had to focus on a more balanced, team-oriented approach that could still generate offense while strengthening the defense.

One of Knoblauch’s key tactical adjustments was placing more emphasis on a structured defensive game. He worked with the team to shore up defensive coverage, especially in the neutral zone, where turnovers often occurred in the absence of McDavid’s elite playmaking. With more players committed to back-checking and ensuring that the defensive zone was solid, Knoblauch hoped to limit the high-scoring opportunities that had plagued the team at times during the season.

Offensively, Knoblauch made efforts to get more out of the supporting cast. He adjusted line combinations to spread out the offensive responsibilities, ensuring that multiple lines were capable of generating offensive pressure. The idea was that even though McDavid and Draisaitl were absent, the Oilers could still spread the wealth and rely on more players to contribute to the scoring load.

However, this tactical shift was not without its challenges. The lack of consistency in execution was evident, especially in the power play, which is typically a strength for the Oilers. Without their top two playmakers, the power play struggled to maintain the same level of efficiency. Knoblauch’s efforts to adjust the system in McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence were commendable, but the Oilers’ reliance on their stars had left a hole that couldn’t be easily filled.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Oilers?

As McDavid and Draisaitl work toward returning to full health, Knoblauch and the Oilers face a critical stretch of games. The team has shown that it has the potential to succeed without its stars, but the inconsistency remains a glaring issue. The players who stepped up in the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl must continue to play at a high level, and the team as a whole must find ways to stay competitive even when their stars aren’t fully operational.

Knoblauch’s leadership during this challenging period will be scrutinized further, but there’s no denying that he’s taken a measured and thoughtful approach to navigating the team through adversity. While the Oilers’ response to McDavid and Draisaitl’s absence hasn’t been perfect, there are signs of growth, particularly in terms of individual players stepping into bigger roles.

Ultimately, the Oilers’ success in the coming weeks will depend on how well they can maintain their competitive edge and whether their secondary contributors can continue to fill the gap left by McDavid and Draisaitl. The team’s resilience in the face of adversity will be tested, but if they can continue to rally together, they may just emerge stronger on the other side.

In the end, Kris Knoblauch’s assertion that the team had “stepped up” may be a reflection of the optimism that he’s trying to instill in the players. While the jury is still out on how much the team has truly stepped up, it’s clear that the Oilers are learning valuable lessons as they wait for their superstars to return.