Oilers coach Knoblauch has lineup decision fans have been asking for
Since Kris Knoblauch took over as Oilers coach, he's juggled the lines consistently trying to find the ideal combinations for playoffs. Now, it seems he's found his ideal lineup.
Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers will roll out the same lineup as last game. Staying with the same lineup even two nights in a row has been rare for Knoblauch, and fans are loving to see some consistency.
Henrique proved to be a clutch contributor with a goal and an assist on the dominant top line, while Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins looked fantastic carrying the second line with Warren Foegele. At times through this season, Kane and Perry have proven to be a very effective third line, and now Dylan Holloway has earned another look to provide some speed and energy on the fourth line.
Notably, Connor Brown will be scratched for another playoff game. Other players like Gagner, Ryan, and Stecher are understandable, but the Oilers committed to Brown all year despite his obvious struggles. To not give him even a shot in the first few games of the playoffs is a tough decision, but looks to be the correct one - the Oilers are consistently icing their best lineup. Now the players just need to click, and go one the deep playoff run everyone knows they're capable of.
On the other side of the ice, the Los Angeles Kings are taking the same approach of consistency. Kings coach Hillier is also icing the same lineup as game one, even including their starting goaltender Cam Talbot who gave up seven goals against. We'll have to see how tonight's game plays out, and if the coaches need to make any adjustments in game 3.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers play the same lineup consistently in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes, consistency is important | 184 | 52.1 % |
| No, rotate players in and out as needed | 156 | 44.2 % |
| See Results | 13 | 3.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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