Significant lineup changes strike the Oilers after another loss
The early results of this season have not gone as the Oilers had intended. The team is struggling, especially on the offensive side, as they have lost three out of their first four games of this young season.
The team has been plagued by poor defensive play, subpar goaltending, and their offence drying up at critical moments. During the recent loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Oilers' offence could not break through the Flyers' forecheck and was frequently pinned on their end.
Head coach Jay Woodcroft has made several attempts over the past few games to blend the lines and spark any offence they can. Leon Draisaitl was placed back with Connor McDavid, and Warren Foegele was moved up to the second line, giving him linemates with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. However, these changes did not yield success, as the Oilers lost 4-1 to the Flyers.
According to Bob Stauffer, the Oilers made several lineup shifts during practice today as the team searches for a spark.
Apart from the offensive struggles, the Oilers are in desperate need of goaltending support. Numerous times during games, the Oilers would regain momentum only to be derailed by inadequate goaltending from Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner.
Campbell has a record of 1-2-0 with save percentages of .875 and .750. The lone bright spot was a win against the Nashville Predators, where he posted a .977 save percentage that night.
Likely, these line changes will not last, as the competition becomes tougher, and team chemistry needs to be established quickly.
| POLL | ||
What should GM Ken Holland do to make changes for the Oilers? | ||
| New starting goalie | 37 | 45.1 % |
| Better Defencemen | 32 | 39 % |
| Improve the Bottom 6 | 13 | 15.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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