McLellan says he's not getting enough from Eberle
Todd McLellan has a two-word assessment of Jordan Eberle's recent play.
"Not enough," the Edmonton Oilers head coach told reporters Sunday, following a 6-3 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series.
McLellan then elaborated by describing the challenge Eberle is facing in these playoffs.
"This is a new experience for him, and he's learning as he goes as well," the coach said. "It's great to be making strong plays on the boards and checking well ... but you also have to find a way to contribute on the power play."
McLellan hasn't lost sight of the entire team's struggles amid Eberle's woes.
"He's not the only one, but he's one that stands out right now," McLellan said. "I think the day off will help him as well. It will allow us to work on some things in practice. We all expect him to be better, but more importantly, we expect the whole group to improve."
McLellan juggled his lines when the Oilers fell behind 3-0, sliding Connor McDavid down between Eberle and Milan Lucic, but it wasn't an entirely successful move.
Despite McDavid's spectacular goal that tied the game at 3-3, McLellan benched the trio for the final nine-plus minutes after they were on the ice for the fifth and sixth goals by the Ducks.
Eberle fired three shots on goal in the game, but failed to notch a point for the seventh time in nine playoff contests this spring.
The winger played 14:52 in Sunday's loss, and he's logged more than 15 minutes only twice in this postseason.