Kris Knoblauch returns to MSG with Oilers after getting passed up for Rangers gig
Friday night was not Kris Knoblauchs first time coaching at Madison Square Garden, but it was the first one that truly counted.
The new Oilers head coach served behind the Rangers bench on two separate occasions during his four-plus seasons within the organization, for which he served as bench boss of the AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack from 2019 until the middle of last month.
Knoblauch led the Blueshirts to a 6-1-1 record while filling for ex-head coaches David Quinn and Gerard Gallant, when the two entered COVID-19 protocol, during the 2020-21 season and the 2021-22 season.
A little bit different now, theres a little bit more pressure when youre the real head coach, Knoblauch said before his Oilers beat the Rangers, 4-3. Before it was almost like a fantasy camp, where youre just taking over head coaching responsibilities. Itll be neat coming back to MSG. Beautiful building, passionate fans and you know being in charge of the Edmonton Oilers as a head coach here, I probably dont have the words for it right now, maybe after the game I will, but Im looking forward to it.
Nevertheless, Knoblauch was passed over twice when the Rangers had a head coaching vacancy, which indicated that his first non-assistant NHL opportunity would have to come elsewhere.
3 The Edmonton Oilers new coach Kris Knoblauch giving his players instructions in the second period against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place on November 15, 2023. Getty ImagesWhen the Oilers relieved Jay Woodcroft of his responsibilities, they turned to Knoblauch, who had led the club to a 10-6-0 record entering Friday nights game.
Knoblauch still showed his appreciation for the Rangers, noting how well they treated him and how grateful he was that they allowed him to take this opportunity with the Oilers.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette only spent two seasons as a head coach in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins, which won its first Calder Cup in team history in the first year under the Massachusetts native.
He made the jump from the AHL to the NHL in 2000, when he got the call to serve as an assistant to Pat Burns on the Bruins coaching staff.
One season later, Laviolette landed his first NHL head coaching gig with the Islanders.
3Kris Knoblauch filled in for the Rangers when they needed him. Getty ImagesAsked about his perspective on Knoblauch making the leap and what challenges he could be facing, Laviolette showed some respect for his former colleague of just over five months.
I think because hes a seasoned coach and hes been a head coach, and a successful one, its easy to see why they went in and have had some success with him there, Laviolette said. I dont think that that surprises me anyway. Just working with him here, hes a real nice person, real personable guy, detailed. He did a really good job in our organization. Its easy to see the translation there.
Several players in the Rangers locker room have played for Knoblauch at one point in their time in the organization, including Jonny Brodzinski, Will Cuylle, Zac Jones, Braden Schneider, Ryan Lindgren, Filip Chytil and Igor Shesterkin.
Knoblauch, who is described as a soft-spoken coach that is systematic and keen on teaching his players, led the Wolf Pack to a 119-90-32 record over four-plus seasons.
3Kris Knoblauch coached AHL Hartford before heading to Edmonton. APHe helped the team secure its first playoff spot since 2015 last season before they lost in the second round.
Im super happy for him, said Jones, who compiled 17 goals and 49 assists in 106 games under Knoblauch. I always figured it would come. I didnt think when it would come, but I knew that he would be a head coach in the NHL at some point. Im really, really happy for him and his family.
I really liked him. I really enjoyed having him as a coach for three years almost. It was good. He taught me a lot and put me in a lot of good situations down there, so I really enjoyed playing for him.
How many decks are used in poker?
In most popular poker variants, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha, a standard deck of 52 playing cards is used. Each deck contains four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) and consists of 13 ranks (Ace, 2 through 10, and the face cards: Jack, Queen, and King).
What is the bonus code for WPT Global Poker 2023?
The best bonus code for WPT Global is WPT777. By entering the bonus code, players will get a welcome bonus 100% up to $1,200 on the first deposit. The minimum deposit is $20.
What is the best WPT Global bonus code?
Use the WPT Global bonus code WPT777 when registering to get a 100% deposit bonus up to $1200 plus a $100 No Deposit poker bonus.
