Analyst: Oilers Risk Angering Top Stars with New Coaching Tactic

Jason Strudwick brought up an interesting point during Sunday night’s Got Yer’ Back podcast. Asking why there is so much line juggling going on while the Oilers are winning, the former NHL defenseman believes that the coach is trying to keep this group of players on their toes and engaged. It’s a relatively new tactic from Kris Knoblauch as he’s moved around players almost every game, rarely keeping lines as is despite picking up victories.

Wanting to ensure the group doesn’t become complacent, the bench boss is changing things up and even striking a bit of fear or uncertainty into the roster might ensure the Oilers don’t get bored.

Knoblauch was asked about his mindset when it comes to line juggling and told the media he’s constantly trying to find the right mix and balance familiarity with change. He noted that some players will play well and need to be rewarded. But, he also has to remember who the best players are.

Strudwick wonders if there is more to it and explains:

“I believe that one of the reasons that we see Knoblauch moving around is to keep them on edge, not that they’re playing bad, not that he’s punishing anyone, but he wants to keep things kind of exciting for the team and or maybe more importantly or a better word, new.”

He added, “So it feels like it’s new as they’re going through they look up at the board, ‘Like, oh hold on, I haven’t played this guy before.’ I’m moving this guy or I’m playing this guy’s coming out the lineup…”, He didn’t think this was an issue for the defense, but wondered if this was necessary up front. “I’m talking about the forwards. Obviously, I think that’s one way to keep the players surprised, engaged, and feeling new about these lines.”

Are the Oilers Risking Irking The Top Stars With This Approach?

Rob Brown agreed to a point but asked how Zach Hyman might feel about going from Connor McDavid’s line down to Mattias Janmark’s. He asked, “Do you think it’s new and exciting for Adam Henrique to go from being a third-line center down to a fourth-line center?” Brown contended, “To me, I honestly believe that you’re going to see Hyman back with McDavid right away.”

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As for why, he explained that McDavid has gone back-to-back games with no points. At the exact same time, Hyman has gone back-to-back games with no goals. Brown argued that you “need to have your best players happy.”

He added, “… so I understand wanting to keep the players guessing to a point.” What do you do when Hyman starts to wonder why after a 54-goal season, he’s on your third line? Brown said that Hyman would never complain and he just wanted to win, but asked how that conversation goes. How do you continue to explain to Hyman and McDavid that they aren’t together because the coach wants to keep the players guessing? They can only go unproductive for so long before they start to get antsy.

“But, to me, it’s, if you found things that you really know work, I’d keep with them, and I would tinker with other things that you don’t know if they’re going to work.”

It’s a good problem to have that the Oilers can afford to mess with the lines while they are winning. It beats the alternative, which is having to switch up lines because nothing is clicking. Still, there comes a time when players want to play with the guys they know and have developed chemistry with. You can’t keep them apart forever. If you do, those stars will want an explanation and one better than, “I don’t want you guys getting bored.”

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