Oilers Make Two Huge Lineup Changes
Kris Knoblauch has inserted Warren Foegele back into the lineup and reunited a questionable defensive pairing.
Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Oilers Make Two Huge Lineup ChangesEDMONTON -- It's the beginning of the end.
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The end of this five day break between games, that is. The Edmonton Oilers are in Florida today for another practice before facing the music of Game one tomorrow. The Oilers last played on Sunday, June 2nd.
The team practiced after the Florida Panthers took to the ice. A few changes have been made to the roster. I'm certain every fan will respond rationally to every single one.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman reported the practice lines on Twitter. There are changes to both the forward lines and defense pairings. Let's dig into the forwards first.
Warren Foegele skated on a line with Ryan McLeod and Corey Perry. Evander Kane took part in the skate and was alongside Leon Draisaitl and Dylan Holloway.
Derek Ryan and Sam Carrick appear to be the odd men out. Considering the speed that the Panthers play with, this isn't surprising. Kris Knoblauch and company recognize this so they are icing their fastest lineup. On to the defense.
Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci have been reunited. Some say that the pairing have not played well together and that this spells the end for the Oilers. The Oilers managed to finish second in the Pacific Division and push through three rounds of the playoffs with this pairing playing 20 minutes a night.
Knoblauch has made gutsy calls all year long. He hasn't been afraid to go with this gut. Up till now, his gut has been right. Will that streak continue? We wait and see.
Philip Broberg was playing the right side with Brett Kulak on the left. A few people on Twitter suggested putting these two together. Broberg has played the right side very well this season. Knoblauch putting Broberg there is a huge vote of confidence for the young Swede.
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Unfortunately, Oilers' fans will need to wait till tomorrow to see how these new combinations handle the Panthers.
Let the games begin.
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