Connor McDavid opens up about Kris Knoblauch's line shuffling
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for a thrilling showdown against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, and the team is still adjusting to head coach Kris Knoblauch's line shuffling. Recently, the Oilers head coach decided to split up his top line, relagating Zach Hyman to the 3rd line, promoting Connor Brown in his place. Additionally, Knoblauch has crafted a new 3rd line comprised of Zach Hyman, Adam Henrique, and Jeff Skinner, and results have been impressive.
While the team has been playing well collectively, Connor McDavid has experienced a significant decline in production since the changes have been implemented.
It's no secret that Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid have been the league's top 1-2 punch for quite some time, but the Oilers superstar is doing his best despite all the changes.
Connor McDavid breaks his silence regarding Kris Knoblauch's roster changes
After morning skate in Pittsburgh, Connor McDavid made himself available for his usual interviews, discussing his personal feelings towards Knoblauch's line changes.
«It's been really solid,» McDavid said of the recent run. «It obviously starts with the back end, they've been great. The goalies played well.
«Forwards are playing solid, being responsible. It's been good to see.»
As per David Staples, good, for sure. The results have spoken for themselves. But it also has to look a little strange to Oilers fans at the same time, especially when Brown's promotion resulted in bumping down the team's reigning 50-goal scorer from a season ago.
«It's taken a little bit to maybe find the right combo of players, a little bit of juggling. But you're always going to get that when you've got so many players that can play in the top six, or top nine, as you said. So, it's been a little bit of juggling,
«I don't think that's a bad thing, it keeps it interesting. It's always fun to play with different guys. That third line played really well in Boston (where they were coming off a 4-0 shutout Tuesday).»
-Connor McDavid
While Connor McDavid broke out of his scoring slump last game against the Bruins, adjusting to Connor Brown will take time.
Let's see how the top line performs tonight against Sidney Crosby and the Pens...
POLL |
JANVIER 9 | 266 ANSWERS Connor McDavid opens up about Kris Knoblauch's line shuffling Do you think Zach Hyman will stay on the 3rd line? |
Yes | 37 | 13.9 % |
No | 229 | 86.1 % |
List of polls |
|
23 minutes ago | By Patrick Frost The Edmonton Oilers may have a solution to their 4th line woes |
|
58 minutes ago | By Patrick Frost John Klingberg may have altered Stan Bowman's deadline plans |
|
2 hours ago | By Patrick Frost Stan Bowman reveals why he signed John Klingberg |
|
5 hours ago | By Will Austin Important decisions will come for Jeff Skinner as the trade deadline approaches |
|
5 hours ago | By Will Austin Amazing news on John Klingberg has been announced this week |
|
6 hours ago | By Patrick Frost Preview: Edmonton Oilers drop starting lineups against Vancouver Canucks |
|
7 hours ago | By Patrick Frost Insider provides injury update on Viktor Arvidsson |
|
8 hours ago | By Patrick Frost Frank Seravalli claps back at Greg Wyshynski's report that Connor McDavid may leave the Edmonton Oilers |
Previously on Oilers Central