"We don't get pushed around" - HC Kris Knoblauch makes his feelings known on Edmonton Oilers' physical game

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch shared his thoughts with the media ahead of Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. The match-up is taking place soon after Saturday’s controversial game between the two sides, which the Canucks edged 3-2.

All the post-match headlines were about Oilers captain Connor McDavid cross-checking Vancouver Canucks player Conor Garland. During the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Knoblauch said that his team was not afraid of the physical aspect of hockey.

"We don't get pushed around. All the hit totals were always on the negative side. I think we're just a more veteran group. I don't think we go out of our way to finish checks,” Knoblauch said.

“Part of that is the good defensive hockey that we play. Our chances that we give up are one of the best in the league, if not the best, and a lot of that has to do with us not running around, getting out of position to finish checks.”

Knoblauch added that the Edmonton Oilers’s strengths lay in denying opposition chances to score rather than playing a physical style.

“But for other teams, wanting to be physical against us and wanting to hit. We have absolutely no issues with that. There's certainly no players that are afraid of that and that's just part of the game,” Knoblauch said. [0:30]

The teams will take to the ice among heated feelings on both sides, especially among the fans. However, Canucks coach Rick Tocchet downplayed the Edmonton fans’ anger against Garland.

“It's not going to deter him (Conor) to go into the corners and in front of the neck. He needs his teammates to be there right behind him …We need two points. There's no vengeance; I mean it's just two points for us." Tocchet said.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid absent because of three-game ban

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) battles with Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8). (Credits: IMAGN)

Connor McDavid will miss the game against the Vancouver Canucks after the NHL’s Department of Player Safety banned him for three games for his violent conduct. The Edmonton Oilers captain was immediately ejected and given a match penalty during the game after the cross-check and suspended after a hearing on Monday.

McDavid addressed the issue of his suspension while speaking to the media after skating with his team during practice on Wednesday.

“Might be a little bit harsh, but I understand their decision and we move on,” McDavid said. "I can't have that reaction, obviously. I know that, everyone knows that. Not the reaction that I'm proud of, or that anyone wants to see out of me and I understand that.”

The Edmonton Oilers will also be without their captain for their game on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.