Oilers coach Knoblauch hints towards scratching veteran forward
Heading back to Edmonton and facing elimination, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is hinting towards a significant lineup change.
The Oilers fourth line with Derek Ryan, Connor Brown, and Mattias Janmark actually was perhaps the team's best line last night. Instead, Knoblauch is demanding more from the third line of Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Corey Perry. In his post game comments last night, Knoblauch hinted towards fresh legs coming in - and a change in the third line would make sense.
»Obviously we'll look at our options. We have good players who have not played, and we can definitely insert some new life, some new legs.
-Oilers coach Knoblauch
-Oilers coach Knoblauch
Especially with the fourth line finding some life, it's very possible that Knoblauch may look to make a change on the third line to inject new life into this team while facing elimination. It's incredibly disappointing, but Corey Perry hasn't arrived to be the clutch playoff performer that he's known to be. However, Oilers fans know they have an emotional leader and clutch player in Sam Gagner waiting in the wings to be inserted in the lineup.
Knoblauch was asked about his bottom six forward group and specifically praised the fourth line, but was reserved in his comments about the third line, indicating there could be a change there.
Oilers forward Sam Gagner could be a solution for bottom six in playoffs
Many fans are calling for Gagner in game 6, and it could potentially be Foegele or even Corey Perry out.
Gagner isn't the most fleet of foot, but he undeniably provides this team a spark with his leadership when he's in the lineup. He's also been a solid offensive contributor when in the lineup this year, and at this point the Oilers need scoring from wherever possible.
There will be many more significant lineup decisions to be made before game 6, including a starting goalie and a re-configuration of the top line. At the very least however, the Oilers could get a big boost from inserting an Edmonton legend like Gagner in with the season on the line.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Oilers will scratch a forward to insert Sam Gagner in Game 6? | ||
| Yes, scratch Perry | 375 | 53.3 % |
| Yes, scratch Foegele | 75 | 10.7 % |
| Scratch a fourth liner | 100 | 14.2 % |
| No, don't put Gagner in | 154 | 21.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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