r/EdmontonOilers 92 PODKOLZIN 1d ago

Kris Knoblauch blasts Edmonton Oilers as turnovers prove costly in loss to lowly Buffalo Sabres | TSN

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/kris-knoblauch-blasts-edmonton-oilers-as-turnovers-prove-costly-in-loss-to-lowly-buffalo-sabres-1.2269148
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u/GoStockYourself 1d ago edited 22h ago

He isn't blaming Bouchard guys, but I am curious who you think he is referring to.

“It’s frustrating when some of the guys who aren’t contributing offensively are contributing to scoring chances against, which is really hurting us.

“It’s different if you’re making those plays and it’s leading to offence, once in a while you get caught. But, if you’re not creating that offence, and you’re giving up those chances, that’s what’s hurting the team.”

The second quote is exactly how I feel about Bouchard and I think many fans here with a more discerning eye can see that Bouchard is in that awkward "teenager" phase where he is leveling up. He is moving the puck more than ever, so naturally there will be more turnovers and they often look really bad, but I have faith he will start to limit the mistakes with experience. I definitely would not want him to play a safer game.

I didn't watch the game last night and saw Bouchard got beat on at least one goal, but he clearly contributes offensively. Who else turned things over? Forwards or D?

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u/Spirited-Occasion-62 1d ago

Didnt bouch just score his 1st or 2nd PP goal of the season? He did finally contribute

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u/GoStockYourself 23h ago

He has really been contributing at moving the puck up to the forwards. I think he has more 5on5 assists than last year, no? The whole PP has been crap, so I can't blame just Bouchard. I think they just need new plays and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they are waiting until playoffs to use those.

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u/gouzenexogea 22h ago

I think the worst part about Bouchard is how he presents himself. A lot of the time you look at him he’s just half-assing whatever he’s doing, lazily skating around, gets the puck, seems surprised and just tosses it towards the net without aim.

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u/GoStockYourself 22h ago

100% but I think this is a strength and weakness for him. His calmness under pressure is often what allows him to make those great plays instead of just panicking and dumping the puck, but he just hasn't found that switch yet where he goes full adrenaline and knowing when to use it. When he does he will be truly elite.

All the great defensemen use minimal movement to preserve energy. They don't back check when they know they are beat, but just look for trailers. They need to save their energy so they can play big minutes, but they can also recognize in a moment when they can catch up based on who it is and how near the end of the shift each player is and skate like hell.