Kris Knoblauch addresses the media ahead of tonight's game against the Canucks

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Finnegan Frost
September 30, 2024 (2:38 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are facing off against the Vancouver Canucks tonight in what should be an epic divisional showdown against the Vancouver Canucks.

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has had some tough decisions to make over the past few days, including sending down top prospect Matthew Savoie down to Bakersfield. Despite the tough break for Savoie, Knoblauch has a message ahead of tonights preseason showdown.

As per the NHL, the Oilers will deploy their expected second line of Jeff Skinner, Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson on Monday night at Rogers Place for the first time in exhibition action against the Canucks.

After Head Coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed their inclusion in the lineup, tonight will be the trio's first opportunity to get competitive action together and begin finding some chemistry outside of Training Camp skates.

«All three of them will play together tonight at least to start the game, and we'll see how it goes from there,» Knoblauch said. «They've been practicing with each other, but they want to get reps and play a game. That's obviously where the real competition is and it'll be good for the coaches also to see some building some chemistry.»

Knoblauch believes that each of their skill sets can contribute to a formidable second line for the Oilers this season, but that relies on them being able to work through any early issues that might arise over Edmonton's final three exhibition games - beginning tonight in their final home game of the preseason.

«Obviously, Skinner is a goalscorer. Arvidsson has a little more edge to his game by getting in on the forecheck. He's a bit more aggressive,» Knoblauch said. «Even though he's not big on stature, he is big on having that tenacity.

«I think there'll be growing pains, but they're good hockey players and we're optimistic that it'll work out.»

You can watch the game live on Oilers+ at 7:00 pm MT or listen live on the Oilers Radio Network, including 630CHED.

source: NHL
PROJECTED LINEUP: Oilers to debut Skinner, Draisaitl & Arvidsson line against Canuc