Edmonton Oilers adjust lineup at practice before facing Buffalo Sabres
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers have arrived in Buffalo to begin a four game road trip against the Sabres, and unveiled an adjusted lineup at morning skate.
Veteran forward Jeff Skinner was scratched for the third straight game last time out, but Coach Knoblauch will be inserting him into the lineup against his former team.
Oilers unveil adjusted lineup at practice before facing Buffalo Sabres
According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the team will be slightly adjusting their lineup for tonight's game, with Jeff Skinner coming in and Kasperi Kapanen a scratch.
Additionally, Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg remain out of the lineup both dealing with injuries. Ekholm in particular has been shut down to deal with an illness he's dealt with since January, but it's an encouraging sign that he's joined the team on their road trip.
Without Ekholm in the lineup, Jake Walman is getting a big promotion to play the Oilers top pairing with Evan Bouchard.
Walman had an incredibly impressive debut with the team, playing a strong defensive and physical game, while also making beautiful passes.
Coach Knoblauch throws Jeff Skinner a bone with game against former team
Jeff Skinner is going to get into a game after being scratched three times in a row, despite playing great since the New Year.
The 32 year old career sniper clearly deserves to be in the Oilers lineup, but Coach Knoblauch has held him out in favour of other struggling veteran forwards.
It doesn't seem like Skinner's in the coaches long term plans for a playoff lineup, but the least he can do is play him against his former team. It doesn't feel like any progress though, just throwing him a bone.
Hopefully the Oilers can kick off their road trip with a win, and Jeff Skinner can find some success against his former team tonight.
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