Kris Knoblauch speaks on relegating Vasily Podkolzin to the bottom 6
Photo credit: Yard Barker
The Edmonton Oilers are currently facing off against the St. Louis Blues, but head coach Kris Knoblauch has shuffled his lines, relegating Russian forward Vasily Podkolzin to the 4th line.
For most of the season, Vasily Podkolzin has been playing alongside Leon Draisaitl, earning his role in the top-six for his outstanding work ethic.
While there's no denying Vasily Podkolzin is a workhorse on the ice, he's failed to generate much offence, and Kris Knoblauch appears to be putting his foot down.
Through 56 regular season games, Podkolzin has notched 19 points -- simply not good enough for a role on the top 6.
Despite his slumping offence, Podkolzin feels confident that he'll find his game.
»That's true, fair enough. I haven't played my best the last two weeks. Sometimes it's how your body feels..it's the details. Be patient, my game will come.»
- Vasily Podkolzin
- Vasily Podkolzin
According to Liam McCormick ,Coach Knoblauch admitted the same, and said his reduced ice time was because of that dip in his play. Podkolzin seems to be a straight shooter, and can take the open challenge to be better. Knoblauch confirmed he will be eventually moved back up.
Other players were playing better. I think he's had a pretty consistent season. Maybe the last week or so, he's had a bit of a dip but to say he's going to be stapled on the fourth line, absolutely that won't happen.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Knoblauch's decision to demote Vasily Podkolzin to the 4th line could simply be a response to the Oilers 2 game losing streak.
Obviously, the Edmonton Oilers are in need of an offensive spark, so it makes sense to put his two superstars together on the same line.
Hopefully, the Oilers young Russian forward can find his game again and start producing some offence next to Leon Draisaitl. Podkolzin does have an underrated wrist shot, perhaps the key is getting him to use it more.
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