Oilers coach Knoblauch makes a major decision with Evander Kane at practice
With a few days off after returning home from their road trip, Edmonton has had a few opportunities to practice and prepare to keep their winning streak alive against the Maple Leafs tomorrow. Today at practice, Oilers coach Knoblauch made a major decision with the struggling Evander Kane which hopefully can give the team a boost.
As Kane has been dealing with a nagging groin injury, his play has taken a noticeable decline. In the last 17 games, Kane's recorded just 3 goals and 5 points, and clearly isn't the explosive power forward he usually is. He's been demoted to the third line for weeks, but now, Knoblauch had promoted him to the second line with Leon Draisaitl and Warren Foegele.
Kane was spotted some ice time with the second line when McLeod was out with illness, but now upon his return, McLeod is skating on the third line with Derek Ryan and Mattias Janmark.
This promotion comes just a few days after Kane made some comments about his declining ice time with some bitter undertones. In an interview with Mark Spector released on Saturday, Kane said the following about his consistent demotion to the third line.
Honestly, I've never had this level of opportunity in my career. Not even my rookie year. For me right now, less is more - what comes out of my mouth.
Here's the full lines Edmonton will take on the Maple Leafs with tomorrow, according to Jason Gregor.
Hopefully Kane can get a boost of energy from the increased opportunity on the second line. Being suck an emotional player, this could be a show of faith that could really get Kane going again. With a proven ability to score 30 goals and lead the team as a physical presence, the full potential Kane can bring needs to be unlocked by the Oilers. Now he has the opportunity again, Kane needs to play up to the task and keep the spot.
| POLL | ||
Is promoting Kane the right thing to do? | ||
| No, he hasn't earned it back | 203 | 17.1 % |
| Yes, he needs the boost | 508 | 42.8 % |
| We need him regardless, play him more | 341 | 28.7 % |
| See Results | 135 | 11.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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