Oilers coach Knoblauch reveals game one playoff lineup
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers took the ice for their first practice ahead of the playoffs, giving fans a look at the expected lineup for game one against the Kings on Monday.
With Evander Kane and Mattias Janmark out of the lineup, it may look a bit different come game time, but there's a few interesting decisions from Knoblauch. Henrique on the first line with McDavid and Hyman stands out, but it's something Knoblauch has tried in recent weeks with moderate success. The move may be more about pairing Nugent-Hopkins as an offensive weapon alongside Leon Draisaitl on the second line. Otherwise, all other lines and defence pairings remained relatively similar.
After practice, Knoblauch gave an update on the two injuries, saying he was optimistic Kane would be on the ice tomorrow, but Janmark might be out longer with some medical assessments pending.
If both of Kane and Janmark have to be held out with injury for game one, Knoblauch and the Oilers aren't stressed with their expanded roster. Sam Gagner and Dylan Holloway are ready to slot into the lineup at any time, and both can provide their own advantages in the bottom-six. The Oilers depth this year is clearly much improved, and primed for a long run in the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
Will Kane and Janmark play in game 1 for the Oilers playoffs? | ||
| Yes, they'll both play | 170 | 43.4 % |
| Kane will play, Janmark won't | 98 | 25 % |
| Janmark will play, Kane won't | 68 | 17.3 % |
| Both won't play | 56 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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