The Edmonton Oilers called up Noah Philp for a test run at the fourth line center job for the playoffs, but last night coach Knoblauch benched him for a poor reason.
Noah Philp turned heads in training camp earlier this season after coming out of retirement, and was always pegged to be given the opportunity in the playoffs.
Oilers coach Knoblauch benches Philp while in NHL tryout
Last night's game against the Washington Capitals was Philp's fourth game in the lineup since being called up, and he only played 5:15 in ice time.
After the game, Knoblauch explained the benching as not being for any reason, just double-shifting Draisaitl.
"He's played well. You're chasing a goal, it's do I put Leon Draisaitl on for a double shift, or Noah Philp? So there's nothing against Noah. I thought he played well.- Coach Knoblauch
It's a tough message to a young forward that he's being called up for evaluation for the playoffs, but he can't find more than 5 minutes in the lineup in a regular season game. If that's the case, why not just keep Derek Ryan for faceoffs?
It's understandable Knoblauch wants to double shift Draisaitl for a goal, but it may not be the time for it. Some Oilers fans were critical of the coach's usage of Philp.
The Oilers should be putting these young players in a position to succeed and show their abilities, instead of calling them up for 5 minutes of ice time. That's also why they won't call up Matthew Savoie.
However, it may also just be a temporary measure for one game chasing one goal. There should be plenty more opportunities for Knoblauch to find ice time for Philp, and hopefully, he takes them.
