Oilers Confirm Opening Night Lineup at Practice, with One New Player
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for their home opener tonight against the Winnipeg Jets, and have just revealed the opening night lineup.
According to Tony Brar, Coach Knoblauch has confirmed that today's lines at practice will be the Game One lineup. Notably, Travis Dermott secured the job for the Oilers 6th defenceman.
The defence has seen the most significant changes since last season. Ty Emberson is a promising young defender that's being given the first opportunity in the top four with Darnell Nurse, and Travis Dermott won out the 6th defensive spot from Josh Brown and Troy Stecher in training camp.
Every other lineup combination was expected from training camp and preseason. The Oilers first line was one of the best combinations in the NHL last year, and has to be kept together. Leon Draisaitl will be flanked by two proven NHL wingers for the first time in his career, making the Oilers offence the best it's ever been. The third and fourth lines are filled with veteran checkers that made a name for themselves last playoffs, with the addition of youngster Vasily Podkolzin. The bottom six has some concerns for their lack of scoring, which will be a story to watch over the first few weeks of the year.
Much of the Oilers from last season's Stanley Cup run are back with the team this season, more motivated than ever to win the final game of the playoffs this year. On a team where the goal is to win the Stanley Cup out of training camp, every roster spot and the backups will have to play a role. Tonight is the first of a long 82 game campaign, and the Oilers are battle-hardened and ready to go.
| POLL | ||
Do you agree with Travis Dermott winning the 6th defenceman spot? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 64.5 % |
| No | 31 | 29 % |
| See Results | 7 | 6.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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