Oilers Have To Make An Important Decision

Caleb Kerney

May 25, 2025, 15:43

Caleb Kerney

May 25, 2025, 15:43

Edmonton Oilers Win Game 2 vs Dallas Stars (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

EDMONTON – Life is full of decisions.

There is one looming decision to make for the Edmonton Oilers.

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Who comes out when Mattias Ekholm returns? The choice isn’t as straightforward as it looks.

Roster construction is a big deal to Kris Knoblauch. He’s spoken to the media about the difficulties in making lineup changes. Often, putting a fresh player into the lineup means shuffling the lines. Knoblauch considers what elements each player brings to their game and how that can impact the team's performance.

However, chemistry is an important consideration, as the Oilers have won the last game and three of their last four with the same lineup.

12-6 or 11-7?

One strategy on the table is the number of forwards and defenders that Knoblauch will choose to dress. He could continue to dress 12 forwards and six defenders or change things and dress 11 forwards and seven defenders.

The latter might be what he decides when it comes time to reinject Ekholm into the lineup. However, Knoblauch has been more hesitant to use this formation than his most recent predecessor.

This leads me to believe that a defender will come out.

Troy Stecher

Troy Stecher has been a great addition to the Oilers' blueline. He’s played regular minutes at even-strength skating on a pairing with Darnell Nurse.

He has some grit and jam to his game, which makes him a valuable asset. Stecher doesn’t have the same penalty-killing utility as Ty Emberson, but if Ekholm is back, that won’t be necessary.

Here are the pairings I’d consider if Stecher comes out:

Kulak - Bouchard

Ekholm - Nurse

Walman - Klingberg

John Klingberg

John Klingberg has been a valuable puck-mover during the playoffs. He has made great passes on the breakout, leading to scoring opportunities. These are also great qualities that Ekholm possesses.

Knoblauch has previously taken Klingberg out of the lineup, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he draws the short end of the hockey stick and sits out when his countryman draws in.

Here are the pairings I’d consider if Klingberg comes out:

Kulak - Bouchard

Nurse - Stecher

Ekholm - Walman

Or,

Kulak - Walman

Ekholm - Bouchard

Nurse - Stecher

Oilers vs Stars Game 3, Where & When To Watch

Game 3 between the Oilers and Dallas Stars will be played at 1 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, May 25th. The broadcast will be on ABC, CBC, ESPN+, and Sportsnet.

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Oilers Have To Make An Important Decision