Big star and team captain Connor McDavid, whom Knoblauch previously coached in the Ontario hockey league, was noted for an assist and a goal.
But it was German teammate and forward Leon Draisaitl who made the difference with three assists and a goal. Edmonton’s Swedish back Mattias Ekholm had to go scoreless from the game.
Knoblauch, 45, arrived in Edmonton on Sunday after beginning the season as American Hockey League coach for Hartford.