Kris Knoblauch under fire as insider fears Oilers edging toward another Woodcroft-like collapse - "It's been ugly"

Head Coach Kris Knoblauch is facing questions as the Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle this season. Edmonton has lost five of its last eight games, and its losses include a 5-1 defeat to Buffalo and a 9-1 loss to Colorado. Defensive problems continue to hurt the team’s chances, evident in those two games.

Now, Edmonton has a 9-8-4 record and is sitting in the middle of the Pacific Division standings, led by Anaheim this season. They score three goals per game but allow more than that, part of the reason behind their underwhelming season.

Frank Seravalli discussed the Oilers' situation on B/R Open Ice. He said Knoblauch’s seat has “gotten a little warmer” during the road trip. Edmonton has not won a single game in regulation in its last four road games out of a seven-game road trip.

"I think the seat has gotten a little warmer under Kris Knoblauch," Seravalli said. "As this road trip has gone on, they're not seeing the returns. And Jay Woodcroft was fired under pretty similar circumstances, even though Kris Knoblauch has taken this team to two straight Stanley Cup Finals, the seats' getting warmer."

Jay Woodcroft was fired on November 12, 2023, after a 3-9-1 start. Knoblauch replaced him and led the Oilers to two straight Stanley Cup Finals. Edmonton reached the Final again last season but lost to Florida in six games. Now, with only four regulation wins this season, the team is struggling again.

Frank Seravalli added that missing the playoffs is now a real concern for Edmonton. He said expectations for the team have changed because of poor results.

"They have to do something because missing the playoffs this year, and they're kind of, believe it or not, teetering closer to that edge," Seravalli said. "As we've had to readjust some expectations for Edmonton, it's been ugly. How do they find their way out of it? How do they find more skills? Stan Bowman has his work cut out for him."

Stan Bowman has tried to find help, including adding David Tomasek. Tomasek has barely played and has not made an impact yet, having just 3 points in 14 games.

Frank Seravalli said Oilers may need harder decisions

The Oilers are tied with Calgary for regulation wins this season. Calgary has played one fewer game than Edmonton, and they are sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with 13 points.

"They're going to have to make some tough decisions, as the Edmonton Oilers are tied with the Calgary Flames, believe it or not, for regulation wins so far this season," Seravalli said. "They both have just four, and Calgary has played one fewer game so far this season, and Calgary is at the bottom of the West standings, alongside St Louis."

So far, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have continued to lead the offense, and their power play remains strong at 30.8 percent. Even with that, the team’s even-strength play is not consistent enough.

Edmonton may need steadier efforts from their entire lineup. They must improve quickly to climb back into a playoff spot. Their next steps will decide how the year unfolds.