The Edmonton Oilers lost last night’s Stanley Cup Final rematch game against the Florida Panthers, and coach Knoblauch spoke with some directed frustration in his post game comments.
The Florida Panthers were coming into the game extremely motivated for a win after being shut out twice, and they made good on their effort last night.
After the game, Knoblauch didn’t shy away from fully calling out his team’s play, and their handling of the big moment.
“Just some really bad mistakes. Whether it was the defence not getting the puck out, line changes not where it should’ve been, just costly mistakes that shouldn’t have happened.”
Knoblauch spoke directly on Evan Bouchard, who may have had one of his roughest games in his NHL career. Bouchard himself accepted the blame for last night’s loss and his costly toe pick at the blueline.
Still, Knoblauch defended Bouchard, saying although he made mistakes, he wasn’t the only one that let down the team with their play.
Knoblauch also addressed a flashpoint moment of referee Kelly Sutherland issuing Darnell Nurse and extra two minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Oilers coach wasn’t happy with the additional penalty, but instead of putting it on the referee, he put the blame rightfully towards Nurse. The players have to be professionals at all times.
“‘You’re not doing yourself any favors yelling at the referees. One, you’re either going to take another penalty, maybe a 10 or two, or if you’re not going to the box for an extra.It’s just you’re more likely just upsetting the referee who are more likely to call penalty later on the game. No matter who you are, yelling at the referees. doesn’t help you at all.’
– Coach Knoblauch
The extra penalty caused a stir of debates among fans online. For a ref to asses such a penalty in a tight game between two contending teams can swing the course of the entire game.
These questionable calls from refs that have major outcomes on the momentum of the game are incredibly frustrating, especially coming after Tkachuk’s controversial kicking motion goal.
The Edmonton Oilers still showed they can hang with the Panthers, but the Panthers proved they still have the grease and can game the officials’ game management directive to benefit themselves.
The Oilers can take a lesson from this game, and then get back to the elite team they’ve proven they can be.