Oilers coach plays mind games against Canucks at practice
Ahead of game two, Oilers coach Knoblauch brilliantly handled Leon Draisaitl being a game time decision. With no expectation that he would even play, Knoblauch put Draisaitl on the first line moments before the game, and it was too much for the Canucks to handle.
Today at practice, Knoblauch is using a similar tactic to hide the lineup. Every Oilers forward took the ice today in black and blue, hiding their combinations for tonight's game. Additionally, Draisaitl was absent from practice - but there's no doubt he will play.
Lineup changes expected for Oilers and Canucks heading into game 3
With the last change at home, the Oilers will have a significant advantage with their deployment tonight. Even if they don't load up McDavid and Draisaitl on the same line consistently, there will be plenty of opportunities for Knoblauch to get Draisaitl in the ice with McDavid in advantageous situations.
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet on the other side is preparing to see Connor and Leon on the same line again. Tocchet spoke at length about the difficulty of defending the Oilers stars, and noted some lineup changes coming on defence - especially with Tyler Myers potentially out with an injury.
Tonight at 6:30MT the Oilers will play their first home game the second round, and look to take a commanding series lead back to Vancouver.
| POLL | ||
Do you think it's a good idea for the Oilers to hide their lineup from the Canucks? | ||
| Yes, don't give them anything | 214 | 72.8 % |
| No, just get a good practice in | 65 | 22.1 % |
| See Results | 15 | 5.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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