The Oilers will look to replicate the defensive effort they put forth against the Mammoth, whom they limited to two goals on just 18 shots.
“To replicate good performances, it usually just comes down to playing simple,” Knoblauch said. “You can’t dictate how the game’s going to be played out, but the more predictable you are, the simpler you are, the more likely you’re going to have the same outcome. And I think a lot of things that we did the other night in Utah wasn’t fancy, wasn’t sexy. It was just simple hockey. All the players were engaged, they worked hard, their shifts were short, limited their mistakes, and we’ve got to play that brand of hockey.”
“For every guy knowing the importance of checking and staying on top of your guy or winning your battle or being in the right place, coverage wise, it means a lot more because the bounces can be a difference in winning and losing,” added Connor Murphy, who turns 33 today.
Murphy and Darnell Nurse have enjoyed success lately as a shutdown duo.
“He’s an easy guy to play with because we think similarly wanting to be hard defenders,” said the Oilers deadline acquisition from Chicago. “And he’s a passionate leader that you can feel his intensity and his drive to win and be good for the team. That is contagious as a partner to read off of.”