Oilers Coach Assigns Blame After Blowout Loss to Avalanche

Knoblauch said it’s up to the coaching staff, including himself, to get the group organized and ready to compete again.

"I was very optimistic going into the game," Knoblauch said. "I liked our energy... First few minutes looked like that, and then after the first goal, there was a lot of deflation. Especially after the second one off the faceoff. After that, it was a lot of guys beating themselves up and not playing well. We didn’t look cohesive. That’s on the coaching staff — mostly myself — to get that aligned."

The Avalanches outshot Edmonton 34-24, despite the Oilers controlling the faceoff, winning 54.8%. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s goaltending issues continued. Stuart Skinner allowed four goals on 13 shots before being replaced by Calvin Pickard, who gave up five more on 21 shots.

Asked if his players are losing belief in their goaltending, Knoblauch said no.

"I don’t believe so," Knoblauch said. "There have been games where our goaltending has been good. The amount and quality of chances we’ve given up hasn’t helped. I see bigger issues than just goaltending."

Connor McDavid scored the lone goal for the Oilers, but the rest of the offense was quiet. However, Knoblauch pointed out that the team’s struggles are collective, not individual.

"It’s a team thing," Knoblauch said. "There’ve been nights where a few guys weren’t at their best, but tonight it was many. That starts with the coaching staff."

The coach admitted the gap between Edmonton and Colorado is significant right now.

"Absolutely, We’re not close right now," Knoblauch said. "They’re playing really well, and we’re not. It’s not just one game — the last few weeks show that. We’ve got a lot of work to do."

With only six wins through 16 games, frustration is growing inside the locker room.

"Everyone’s frustrated," Knoblauch said. "It’s tough coming to the rink when things aren’t going well. When you’re losing, it’s a grind. We’d like to have fun, but first we have to win hockey games and play good hockey. Then we can enjoy it again."

For the Oilers, the message was clear — the excuses are over. With a tough stretch ahead and confidence fading, the team needs to rediscover the consistency and effort that made them contenders in recent years.

Next, they will play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday at home.