“A few passengers” are criticized by Kris Knoblauch for the Oilers’ defeat to Florida. Who could they be?
In the aftermath of the Edmonton Oilers’ defeat to the Florida Panthers, head coach Kris Knoblauch made an intriguing and critical comment about a few of his players. He expressed frustration over what he referred to as a lack of effort from some of his players, indicating that they weren’t pulling their weight in a loss that could have been avoided with better team play. His remarks, though vague, have sparked curiosity about which players may have been singled out.
The Oilers, a team with high expectations due to the elite talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have sometimes struggled with inconsistency, and Knoblauch’s comments point to the possibility of deeper issues within the squad. This type of remark raises questions about the attitudes, performances, and effort levels of specific players. Who could these “few passengers” be?
The Impact of McDavid and Draisaitl: Setting the Bar High
The two stars, McDavid and Draisaitl, are often the focal point of the Oilers’ offense, so much so that their performances frequently determine the team’s success. If the team is not playing up to its potential, these two are rarely the ones receiving criticism for lack of effort or focus. However, their leadership also sets the bar incredibly high for their teammates. This creates a situation where players around them are often expected to deliver consistent, strong performances or risk being singled out when the team falters.
While McDavid is widely considered the best player in the world, and Draisaitl has cemented himself as one of the premier forwards in the NHL, their success is not guaranteed if others around them aren’t doing their part. Therefore, it’s more likely that the “passengers” are players who have struggled to live up to their potential or have been inconsistent in their contributions to the team.
Possible Candidates for Being “Passengers”
- Zach Kassian
One player who might come to mind when considering Knoblauch’s frustration is Zach Kassian. The power forward has had moments of success with the Oilers but has struggled with consistency. Known for his physicality and leadership on the ice, Kassian’s role as a hard-nosed player who brings a physical presence often hasn’t translated into consistent offensive production. While his style of play doesn’t always align with the Oilers’ speed and finesse-oriented attack, his ability to contribute in key moments is often under scrutiny.
In games like the one against Florida, Kassian’s lack of scoring or failure to impose himself physically could be a reason why Knoblauch would mention him as a “passenger.” Kassian has also been relegated to a more limited role in recent seasons, making his occasional lack of impact all the more glaring.
- Jesse Puljujärvi
Jesse Puljujärvi is another player who might fit the “passenger” description. Puljujärvi has had a tumultuous time with the Oilers, oscillating between being a top-six winger and a healthy scratch. His physical skills and size make him a tantalizing prospect, but his inconsistency, particularly in finishing scoring chances, has led to periods of stagnation. At times, Puljujärvi has shown flashes of brilliance, but his overall lack of consistency in both offensive and defensive zones makes him a potential target for Knoblauch’s criticism.
Puljujärvi’s lack of production, especially on a team that revolves heavily around its stars, has likely contributed to the perception that he isn’t pulling his weight. If Puljujärvi struggled during the loss to Florida, it could explain why Knoblauch would single him out as one of the “few passengers.”
- Tyson Barrie
On the defensive side, Tyson Barrie is another player who could be considered a potential “passenger” in certain situations. Barrie is a highly skilled offensive defenseman but has frequently been criticized for his defensive lapses. While he’s capable of providing offense, he is often caught out of position or unable to contribute defensively in high-pressure situations. In a game where the team struggled as a whole, Barrie’s lack of defensive responsibility or inability to shut down opposing plays could have stood out, making him a target of frustration for Knoblauch.
- Kailer Yamamoto
Kailer Yamamoto is another player whose performance has been inconsistent. While he has shown flashes of promise, his lack of offensive production this season, especially in a top-six role, has made him a subject of criticism. If Yamamoto’s performance was subpar during the Florida game, it could be a factor in Knoblauch’s comments. The Oilers are built around their top players, but players like Yamamoto need to contribute offensively to provide depth and support to McDavid and Draisaitl. If Yamamoto failed to contribute meaningfully, he could be one of the “passengers” referenced by the head coach.
- Evander Kane
Evander Kane, though generally a strong addition to the team, has also had his moments of inconsistency, particularly with his defensive play. While his offensive production has been solid, the Oilers need more than just a goal-scorer from him, especially when they face a team like the Florida Panthers. Kane’s ability to contribute in all facets of the game is critical, and any perceived lack of engagement or effort could lead to Knoblauch’s frustration. Kane has also been known to be a bit of a hothead at times, and if his emotional state or engagement was lacking in the Florida game, this could have contributed to the team’s overall struggles.
Why These Players?
Kris Knoblauch’s comments were vague, but his frustration clearly lies with players who are underperforming, especially when the stakes are high. The Oilers’ overall performance relies heavily on the contributions from each player, even those in secondary roles. Players like McDavid and Draisaitl can only do so much; the rest of the roster must step up and fulfill their respective roles for the team to succeed.
In a game like the loss to the Florida Panthers, where the Oilers failed to generate the necessary offense or defensive stability, it’s often the complementary players who are called out. These players, while talented, may not have made the necessary impact in the loss. Whether it’s poor defensive coverage, failure to generate offensive chances, or lack of physicality, the “passengers” are the players whose lack of engagement or responsibility creates gaps in the Oilers’ game plan.
The Bigger Picture: Team-wide Issues
While it’s tempting to focus on individual players, it’s essential to recognize that the defeat to Florida was likely a team-wide issue. The Oilers are a talented roster, but they have struggled with consistency throughout the season. It’s possible that Knoblauch’s frustration wasn’t just directed at one or two players but at an overall lack of execution and attention to detail. The loss could have been a culmination of many factors, including defensive breakdowns, missed opportunities, and a lack of discipline, with some players more responsible than others.
The Oilers have struggled at times this season with defensive zone coverage, special teams play, and even goaltending. If the team is failing in any of these areas, it’s often the secondary players who bear the brunt of the criticism. The “passengers” may not be the most visible players like McDavid and Draisaitl, but they play critical roles in supporting the team’s overall success.
The Way Forward: Accountability and Improvement
The comments from Kris Knoblauch could serve as a wake-up call for the Oilers as they look to improve down the stretch. While McDavid and Draisaitl will continue to be the team’s primary offensive drivers, the Oilers need consistent contributions from all areas of their roster to compete with the NHL’s best.
If Knoblauch’s remarks are directed at specific players, it will be crucial for those players to respond positively and show greater engagement in future games. Whether it’s Kassian, Puljujärvi, Barrie, Yamamoto, or Kane, the Oilers need everyone to step up and fulfill their roles. If they can eliminate these “passenger” performances and increase their overall consistency, the team will be in a much better position to make a deep playoff run.
In the end, it’s clear that the Oilers have the talent to compete at the highest level, but they need contributions from all players, not just their stars. Kris Knoblauch’s comments may be a stern reminder that, in a team sport like hockey, everyone must pull their weight. The real question is: Will they rise to the occasion, or will some players continue to coast, leaving their teammates to do all the heavy lifting? Only time will tell.
