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Oilers Coach Identifies Key Issue in Loss to Panthers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 9:18 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers faced sharp questions after a 4-0 shutout loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, and head coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to one key issue: a lack of shots.

Speaking postgame, Knoblauch pushed back on the idea that his team lacked effort. He said the Oilers started well and controlled the first 10 minutes. However, a breakaway goal shifted momentum, and the team struggled to respond.

"I don't see it - that they [Oilers players] didn't show up and play tonight. We came out strong." Knoblauch said.

He admitted the only stretch he disliked came late in the first period when the group looked flat.

"If we were flat it was for the last 10 minutes of the [first] period after they scored their first goal up until the um end of the or end of the first period," Knoblauch said. "That's probably the part of the game I didn't like."

"I thought the effort was there we just couldn’t find a goal."

Coach Knoblauch provides post-game comments after the #Oilers 4-0 loss.
@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/J5pFYnc604
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 20, 2026

Florida took full control behind Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 21 saves for his fourth shutout of the season. Goals from Cole Reinhardt, A.J. Greer, Anton Lundell, and Carter Verhaeghe sealed the win. The Panthers, despite injuries, snapped a two-game skid.

Edmonton missed a chance to climb to the top of the Pacific Division. Connor Ingram made 19 saves, but the offense failed to deliver. The absence of Leon Draisaitl, who remains out with injury, continues to hurt their depth.

Knoblauch pointed out one concerning factor from the game, that Edmonton did not shoot enough. That, in his view, made the difference in a game where chances were limited.

"Overall, I would maybe criticize us [for] maybe not shooting the puck enough," Knoblauch said. "I thought the effort was there, and just we couldn't find a goal, and I think a lot of it had to do with us not shooting enough."

Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Savoie (22) looks for a loose puck in front of Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) at Rogers Place.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

The loss also carried extra weight. Florida has dominated recent meetings, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Final wins over Edmonton in 2024 and 2025. That history added pressure, even if the coach downplayed it.

The Oilers still sit in a strong playoff position, powered by Connor McDavid and an elite offense. Yet defensive gaps and nights like this raise concerns.

Edmonton will try to respond quickly when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

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

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