Oilers coach Knoblauch makes brilliant last minute change to lineup
Last night, the playoff Evander Kane announced his arrival in the series for the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Kris Knoblauch clearly had his finger on the pulse, and made a decision to get the best out of Kane last night.
Not only that, but Knoblauch played some mind games with the Kings, too. During morning skate, Evander Kane was with the third line, but Knoblauch had informed him he'd play with the second line tonight. This lineup decision caught the Kings off guard, and shot life into Evander Kane.
Kane responded to the promotion with one of his best games of the season, scoring a goal, assist, fight, and really getting under the skin of the Los Angeles Kings. When Evander Kane is firing on all cylinders like he was last night, he can be a serious X-Factor for the Oilers in the playoffs.
»I found out this morning. I think we've all played with everybody throughout the course of the year, and obviously sometimes things are going to get changed up. It was a nice opportunity to play with two really good play makers, and I thought we generated some good opportunites and did a nice job."
It was an incredible night from Kane and the Oilers, especially after Kane has been mired by media rumours all season long. After last night's game, Kane even called out Mark Spector for some of the reporting around him this year. Although he may be seen getting in some arguments on the bench, the Oilers players clearly know how important Kane is to the success of this team, especially in the playoffs.
Tomorrow night now, the Oilers will look to take a commanding 3-1 series over the Kings lead back to Edmonton with them. If Evander Kane can put on another performance like this one, their chances will be much better.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Knoblauch should keep Kane on the Oilers second line? | ||
| Yes, keep Kane up there | 232 | 84.4 % |
| No, mix him in as needed | 38 | 13.8 % |
| See Results | 5 | 1.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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