Oilers coach reveals new lineup at practice, things get worse for Jeff Skinner
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice for practice today with an adjusted lineup after losing Connor McDavid to suspension, where once again, Skinner has been bumped to the fourth line.
For yesterday's game, Jeff Skinner was slotted to start on the first line in McDavid's absence, but that experiment ended quickly.
Oilers Coach balances out the lineup, demotes Jeff Skinner again to fourth line
According to insider Bob Stauffer, the Oilers lineup at practice was as follows:
Draisaitl's line will remain intact, while Adam Henrique centers a second line with Zach Hyman and Corey Perry, and Nugent-Hopkins driving the third line with Janmark and Brown.
The defence pairs remain the same, with John Klingberg and Connor McDavid skating as extras.
Coach Knoblauch seems to be aiming for a balanced lineup with this configuration, especially with Nugent-Hopkins moving to the third line.
Jeff Skinner demotion during McDavid absence shows he has no place in lineup
However, it's not a good sign for Skinner to see him again bumped down to the last slot in the lineup. The Oilers need offence in McDavid's absence, but coach Knoblauch clearly doesn't trust Skinner with increased minutes.
When McDavid returns to the lineup, Skinner is the clear first choice to come out of the lineup.
Skinner was a healthy scratch in 4 of the last 6 games, and if he's scratched for another stretch of games, it could be the push for him to waive his no-move clause and accept a trade. There's clearly no fit for him in the lineup.
The Oilers' next game, against the Vancouver Canucks, will be a highly anticipated matchup given their last meeting. Even without McDavid and Myers in the lineup, there should be some response from the teammates.
