Kris Knoblauch explains decision to break up Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm
Edmonton Oilers head coach has recently made the strategic decision to shake up his top defensive pairing, promoting Darnell Nurse to play alongside Evan Bouchard.
Darnell Nurse has been one of the team's most reliable defenders this season, finally living up to his monstrous 9.25 million dollar contract with his sound performance on the blue-line.
Recently, Darnell Nurse received a massive promotion by being assigned to the top pairing alongside Evan Bouchard.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, This move also comes at a time when the Bouchard and Ekholm pairing, while it does feature the team's best defenceman, has been struggling a bit lately, and facing criticism for their play.
Kris Knoblauch explains the decision to promote Darnell Nurse
-Kris Knoblauch
While Kris Knoblauch sugar coats his explanation, Ekholm and Bouchard haven't been good enough together.
Although most of the finger pointing seems to be directed at Evan Bouchard's performance on the blue line, Kris Knoblauch admits that a change could be beneficial.
It's safe to assume that Mattias Ekholm's demotion has likely affected him -- after all, no one wants to lose their spot on the starting lineup.
However, Ekholm has handles the situation with grace, showing maturity and class through the whole ordeal.
«It was nice to see a different part
-Mattias Ekholm
It will be interesting to see how the new defensive pairings perform against the San Jose Sharks this afternoon.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 271 ANSWERS Kris Knoblauch explains decision to break up Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm Do you think promoting Darnell Nurse was the right decision? | ||
| Yes | 200 | 73.8 % |
| No | 71 | 26.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
