Kris Knoblauch’s start to the 2025-26 season as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers has been unpleasant. The team holds a 6-5-3 record and sits tied for second in the Pacific Division with 15 points. They continue to show both promise and inconsistency. The Oilers’ power play remains the best in the NHL at 35.1%. Still, defensive struggles and weak five-on-five play have slowed their progress.
The Oilers score 3.07 goals per game, but also allow the same number, highlighting the fragility of their balance. Knoblauch has changed his forward lines more than any other NHL coach, using over 28 combinations so far. This constant rotation has made it hard for players to build chemistry.
In the last three games before facing the St. Louis Blues, he has tried a different approach by keeping his top three lines together. That stability helped the Oilers earn two wins and five points in three games against Utah, New York, and Chicago. Still, the constant shuffling early in the season hurt the team.
Have the Oilers Lost Their Spark Under Kris Knoblauch?
On Monday, the Oilers lost another game, this time against the Blues, despite an initial 2-0 lead in the early second period. This inconsistency led fans to raise questions about the Oilers’ performance under coach Knoblauch.
One X user shared charts comparing Knoblauch’s offensive system to that of former coach Dave Tippett. The data showed that both teams relied too much on perimeter shots and failed to create enough chances near the crease. The expected goals per 60 minutes were nearly the same — 2.42 under Tippett and 2.35 under Knoblauch.
“Knoblauch has killed all the joy of watching the Oilers offensively, LITERALLY. Keep coaching the team to take stupid point shots from the blue line and refusal to play youth in both Howard and Savoie properly. Beyond tired of this coach,” another user wrote, criticizing the team’s habit of taking point shots and the coach’s handling of young players like Issac Howard and Matthew Savoie.
One added, “Not ideal. But I also think that Knoblauch should do a better job with these two young guys.”
Some fans also pointed to goaltending as a concern. “My two main thoughts after this game: -Pickard is unplayable right now -Knoblauch is becoming a major problem Questions for the fan reaction? #LetsGoOilers,” one comment read, referring to backup goalie Calvin Pickard.
One fan was even harsher, calling Edmonton’s goaltending: “Worst f***ing goaltending tandem in NHL history . Not exaggerating.”
Fans also mentioned that McDavid and Draisaitl have been quieter than usual, which could explain part of the offensive drop. One user wrote:
“McDavid and Draisaitl being significantly below their usual numbers is probably having a major impact on that.”
The Oilers still have the talent to turn things around. Still, they need direction. Knoblauch’s constant line changes and cautious style have made the team look unsure of itself. If he can find the right mix soon, Edmonton may still climb in the standings.