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Oilers Coach Breaks Down What Caused Their Downfall Against Rangers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 3:30 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers lost 4–3 in overtime to the New York Rangers on Thursday at Rogers Place. J.T. Miller scored the winner at 2:49 of overtime with a wrist shot under Stuart Skinner’s blocker. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was unhappy with the way the game turned in the third period.

"[The Game] turned around in the third period, I thought, with the power play," Knoblauch said postgame. "We gave up two on the power play. And then I think just from there we were playing a little too relaxed and loose and were giving them chances."

Knoblauch also talked about Evan Bouchard’s turnovers. Jonny Brodzinski scored the Rangers' first goal after intercepting Bouchard's pass. He also made a mistake on the play that led to Taylor Raddysh’s goal. His clearing attempt was blocked by Conor Sheary, who passed to Raddysh, and he scored from the slot to tie the game 3-3.

"With Evan, you know, sometimes your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness," Knoblauch said. "You have great talent in making passes and feeling confident - you can do that. But when it's not working, it’s costing with chances against. So, usually when turnovers are happening, it’s not moving your feet. You’re standing still, making a pass... I’d probably say just moving your feet to open lanes more."

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— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 31, 2025

The Oilers led 3–1 after goals from Darnell Nurse, who scored twice, and Matt Savoie, who scored his first NHL goal. The Rangers came back with goals from Braden Schneider and Raddysh before Miller won it in overtime.

Knoblauch also talked about the Rangers' scoring the overtime goal despite the presence of Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor McDavid. They couldn't stop Miller from scoring the overtime winner.

"Yeah, it was a little coverage responsibility, probably more communication," Knoblauch said. "It shouldn’t have been a great scoring chance. We should have deflected that, kept it outside, maybe given up a shot but not a drive to the middle. Disappointed how that was played."

Draisaitl had an assist and extended his point streak to seven games. McDavid didn't register any points despite registering 6 shots and playing 24:33 minutes.

When asked if it was harder for Knoblauch when top players made mistakes. He urged that other players also need to step up.

"You always have success when your best players are your best players," Knoblauch said. "You need your depth and other guys stepping up, but when things go well, your best players usually contribute night in and night out.

"Some guys can be better — top or bottom — but collectively we’re disappointed. We feel like we take a step forward, then two steps back."

Knoblauch wants the Oilers to build consistency and a strong identity. The Oilers will next play against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. The game starts at 8:00 PM MDT.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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