Speaking to the media after practice today, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Connor McDavid was absent today for rest, and also called on their entire roster to be better.

Coach Knoblauch has significantly shaken up the lines in the last two games as the Oilers have dropped 3 disappointing losses in a row now.

Oilers coach addresses Connor McDavid absence, calls out entire team for poor play

Coach Knoblauch confirms McDavid absent due to rest, everyone outside McDavid and Draisaitl need to be better

Coach Knoblauch briefly confirmed that Connor McDavid missed today’s practice with rest. After the 4 Nations Faceoff, McDavid had only one day off before playing back to back matinee games. If anyone needed some rest, it was him.

The Oilers captain wasn’t himself in the last two games. Against Chicago and Philadelphia, two rebuilding teams, McDavid recorded 1 point and was a minus 6. However, it seemed to be a trend among most Team Canada players.

Oilers coach Knoblauch calls out entire roster to be better during stretch run of the season

Coach Knoblauch also took the time to say that while McDavid and Draisaitl have been pulling their weight, everyone isn’t playing up to their potential right now.

We need to put the last couple games behind us, learn from them I just think that everyone needs to get a little bit better. One guy’s not going to turn it around collectively we’ve got to be much better.We’re obviously getting big contributions from Leon and Connor, but a lot of other guys playing well, and just right now, everyone’s just not playing up to their potential.

– Coach Knoblauch

Knoblauch’s right to call out his players for some lacklustre efforts heading into the break, and immediately coming out of it. The Oilers coach has called out Stuart Skinner and shown some signs of frustration, as the team hits a rut just before the trade deadline.

Knoblauch is a very calm and measured coach, so all of his moves can be considered meaningful – especially these comments towards the roster potential and towards Skinner.

Hopefully the Oilers can correct their game soon enough, and get back to a pace to secure the division win and home ice advantage for the playoffs.