Evander Kane also wasn't present at practice, which has become commonplace through the playoffs. Warren Foegele skated as a placeholder on the third line, which could indicate another change coming to that spot of the lineup. The fourth line with Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark had a great night last game, so maybe Foegele ends up as a scratch again too.
After their offensive explosion in game 4 and the successful effort on home ice, it's a good decision to roll it back with nearly the same lines. The Oilers middle six has now become so versatile that nearly any player can plug and play anywhere in the lineup, and it's gotten the best out of players like Dylan Holloway and Mattias Janmark.
On the other side, the Dallas Stars have announced that Chris Tanev will be a game-time decision tonight. Tanev blocked a shot during the second period of game 4, and has since been spotted in a boot. Tanev won't be at 100% health tonight regardless if he plays, and the Oilers need to take advantage of a weakened defence.
The Oilers broke out offensively in a big way in the second period of last game, and didn't look back. If they can have that same jump in Dallas tonight, the series could turn back in the Oilers favour with a chance to clinch a Cup Final appearance at home.
POLL | ||
Do you agree with the changes to scratch Ryan for Carrick and keep Foegele out? | ||
Yes, good moves by Knoblauch | 134 | 66 % |
Ryan should play | 24 | 11.8 % |
Foegele should play | 29 | 14.3 % |
See Results | 16 | 7.9 % |
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