Oilers announce adjusted lineup in wake of Connor McDavid suspension
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers shared a revised lineup for tonight's game against the Washington Capitals after Connor McDavid was suspended for three games.
At last Oilers practice, McDavid was still present and participating on the top line. Edmonton didn't reveal their lineup without McDavid until today.
Oilers Reveal New Lineup with Connor McDavid Out with Suspension
The Oilers didn't skate today before their game against the Capitals, but instead released a statement revealing their lineup tonight, with significant changes.
Ekholm - Bouchard Nurse - Stecher Kulak - Emberson
Skinner Pickard
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will slide over to play first line center, which will keep Draisaitl's dominant second line intact. In Nuge's place, Jeff Skinner has surprisingly been elevated to the top line.
Jeff Skinner has been a frequent healthy scratch in the last two weeks, and has mostly played bottom six minutes this season.
Tonight's game will be a major opportunity to prove himself with increased minutes. If things don't improve, a trade is looking like the most likely path forward for Skinner.
Oilers lineup for Capitals game without Connor McDavid
Other than the top-line switch, the Oilers lineup will remain largely intact against the Captials. Kasperi Kapanen will draw back into the lineup on the fourth line, Janmark will move to the third, and Stuart Skinner starts in net.
The Oilers will be looking for a big response from their entire team without McDavid in the lineup. It's brutal Edmonton will miss their best player for three games, but it's also a chance for the team to band together and come out stronger. Hopefully, they can begin it tonight with a win.
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