Edmonton Oilers coach is shaking things in the lineup ahead of tonight's game against the Philadelphia Flyers
After a disappointing 0-3 start to the season, the Edmonton Oilers are shaking things up ahead of their fourth game, which will be against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Head coach Chris Knoblauch is drastically altering the lineup and is aiming to ignite some early-season momentum.
The most notable change is the reunion of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on the top line alongside Zach Hyman. This trio has been dominant in the past but the downside is the impact it may have on the balance of the other lines.
The second line will see Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson paired with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. If Nugent-Hopkins can excel at center and win his matchups, then this line could offer scoring from Arvidsson and physicality from Podkolzin. It's a new look with the potential to offer an upgrade from previous second-line combinations.
Jeff Skinner has been shifted to the third line and that is despite scoring a goal and an assist in his first three games, this move is likely aimed at spreading the offensive firepower. He will be playing with veteran Adam Henrique and Connor Brown and both may help his defensive play.
On defense, the Oilers are continuing their experimentation with depth players. Troy Stecher is set to play alongside Darnell Nurse while Ty Emberson re-enters the lineup on the third pairing. Travis Dermott will sit this game out as the team looks to solidify its defensive strategy.
Stuart Skinner will start in goal, hoping to deliver his first solid performance of the season. With the struggling Flyers as their opponent, this game presents a crucial opportunity for the Oilers to secure their first win and alleviate growing concerns over their slow start.
Source: Oilers Daily -
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