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Oilers vs Blues - Line Shuffles Continue |
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Prior to the last game, I wrote about how the Edmonton Oilers needed their top line to get going again. That was certainly the case in a game against Detroit that saw RNH score 2 goals and 1 assist, a goal by Zach Hyman, and a whopping 6 assist night by Connor McDavid. After a few rougher games it was great to see that top line rolling again.
Partway through that game we also saw Knoblauch shuffle up the lines and we see Holloway now with Kane and Draisaitl with Perry back on the third line. Here is the expected lines for tonight's game.
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Kane-Draisaitl-Holloway
Foegele-McLeod-Perry
Janmark-Ryan-Brown
Gagner
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Ceci
Kulak-Desharnais
Skinner
After one game in the lineup, it looks like Gagner is back out of the lineup. I would like to have seen him get in at least a couple games but it was also undeniable that he looked slow and a half step behind against the Red Wings.
The Oilers need a couple more impact players up front. A scoring winger is still the greatest need. The next primary focuses should be a Ceci upgrade if possible as well as a fourth line centre. Derek Ryan is starting to show his age and at this stage is likely more suited to take the occasional draw and to play as a right winger.
While the offense exploded in their last game, so did the Oilers turnovers and mistakes. The second period in particular was bad from the entire team. Look for a much more focused effort tonight against the Blues.
Oilers fans were collectively holding their breaths after hearing about the Guentzel injury in the Penguins last game. No specific word yet on how serious it is. The Penguins continue to freefall down the standings and after an embarrassing effort against the Panthers, it seems more and more likely like Pittsburgh is going to be selling at the deadline. Guentzel remains the top available option for Edmonton.
Thanks for reading!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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