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Oilers Head Coach Names Team’s Biggest Flaws Amid Slow Start to NHL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 3:46 PM ET

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke to the media before Monday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. He discussed the team’s start and areas that need improvement.

“The highlight for us has been our special teams, which have been very solid,” Knoblauch said. “As long as we get good goaltending and strong special teams, our five-on-five play should come around.”

The Oilers are 6-4-3 this season and are averaging 3.15 goals per game, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the offense. McDavid leads the team with 17 points, and Draisaitl has 9 goals. Their power play ranks first in the league at 33.3%.

However, the team’s defense has been inconsistent and has allowed goals late in games. Knoblauch said the team must defend harder and named the flaws they have been facing.

"We’ve talked a lot about playing faster and more predictably, and I think we’ve been doing that," Knoblauch said. "However, we can defend a bit harder by closing on loose pucks quicker and getting above our checks. Early on, we played well in those areas, but over the last couple of games, we’ve taken a small step back."

In their 3-2 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks, McDavid said the team played a little bit cleaner but still needed improvement.

"Maybe a little bit, just a touch, but still some things to clean up," McDavid said about the Oilers' play.

Draisaitl scored in the second period, and Jack Roslovic gave them a 2-1 lead. It was Evan Bouchard who netted the overtime winner.

The Oilers have also defeated the Utah Mammoth 6-3, but lost to the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, and Seattle Kraken over the last five games.

Knoblauch said the team needs more consistency.

“You always have success when your best players are your best players,” Knoblauch said after their loss to the Rangers. “You need your depth and other guys stepping up, ... 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.”

The Oilers are on a two-game road trip, playing the Blues on Monday and the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

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

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