Edmonton Oilers switch up lines at practice, newest defenceman projects to be scratched
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice for practice today maintaining the different lines they used against Toronto, with the exception of defenceman John Klingberg out.
Klingberg had missed practice earlier this week with illness, so it could be possible he won't be available next game. Mattias Ekholm missed last game with illness, but was back at practice today.
Edmonton Oilers continue with debatable lineup at practice
The main feature of the Oilers new lines is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl reunited on line one alongside Corey Perry, which then shifts the entire rest of the lineup.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will center the second line with Victor Arvidsson and Zach Hyman. Jeff Skinner will be up on the third line with Adam Henrique and Kasperi Kapanen, and Podkolzin will play with Brown and Janmark on the fourth line.
On defence, Troy Stecher will come in for John Klingberg. This could also be a method to ease Klingberg into the lineup, but considering he played over 20 minutes against the Leafs, that seems unlikely.
Oilers demote fan favourite Vasily Podkolzin to fourth line
It's notable to see the fan favourite Vasily Podkolzin get dumped to the fourth line after playing most of the season in the top 6.
While he has been a great personality, a hard worker, and still a great plug and play option, Podkolzin only has 6 goals and 19 points. Playing with Draisaitl for most of the year, that's not good enough production.
Noah Philp is staying out of the lineup, and also projects to be sent down to the AHL during the 4 Nations Faceoff Break. Still, the 4th line center position may be upgraded at the trade deadline.
As the Oilers approach an all-important trade deadline that could be a deciding factor for their cup chances, they need to try multiple different looks to their lines and be ready for any changes in the postseason.
Coach Knoblauch is doing just that by mixing the lines constantly, and perhaps also highlighting where the Oilers need to make some trade additions.
