Reason Why Edmonton Oilers Demoted Zach Hyman To The Third Line Revealed
The Edmonton Oilers are trying a new look lineup that's seen star forward Zach Hyman moved down to the third line, but it's a move to create three scoring lines more than a demotion.
Coach Knoblauch committed to the lineup changes full time before the Oilers game against Anaheim, and since then have a record of 3-0.
There's several hints toward a new strategy for the Oilers to create three balanced scoring lines. Hyman scored 10 goals in 9 games after returning from injury - so it wasn't based on his play.
In fact, Hyman ranks third on the Oilers in Grade A Shots per game so far this season, behind only McDavid and Draisaitl.
Spreading out the top three talents across three separate lines gives the Oilers the ability to roll out three rested groups consistently.
Hyman's ice time has actually decreased since the move down, which further shows that Knoblauch wants to use it as a legitimate third line. Hyman often played upwards to 20 minutes of ice time, but hasn't played 17 or more in the last 4 games.
Oilers create three balanced lines by bumping Zach Hyman down to bottom six
Speaking to the media yesterday, Hyman's comments hinted that he and the team are buying into Knoblauch's plans for the ultimate goal of winning.
- Zach Hyman
Stan Bowman also commented on the change to bump Hyman down to the third line, and also commended Knoblauch's bold experimentation that could benefit them later in the playoffs.
- Stan Bowman
It's not likely that Connor Brown will remain as the team's first line right winger all season. However, at any time in the playoffs if one line is struggling, Knoblauch does have a history of some previous pairings to try, without them being brand new.
Knobkauch has been head coach of the Oilers for just over one year now, and he's absolutely proven himself as a methodical coach that makes line changes with intent. The Oilers are lucky to have him as their bench boss.
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