Oilers’ New-Look Top Line Is Putting Up Absurd Numbers

Mike Babcock faced an interesting challenge in his first season as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Many coaches before him faced the same challenge. Should he play Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together? If so, who does he put with them?

He ultimately chose Vasily Podkolzin, and the trio has been dominant. 

This isn't just a group of three players who have chemistry. Their connection has been an immediate home run dinger for the organization. 

According to Natural Stat Trick, the trio has posted an expected goals for percentage of 80.43% at 5-on-5. Over 53:09 of ice time together, they have outscored opponents 8-0, a lopsided result that shows how thoroughly they have controlled play.

For Podkolzin, it's been beyond expectations. He's turned into a legitimate top-six forward. He's on pace to easily hit 30 goals this season and all three are in the Top 25 for NHL scoring, with McDavid and Draisaitl in the top 10. 

Through five games, McDavid leads the way with three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and a plus-12 rating. Draisaitl has three goals and six assists for nine points and is a plus-9.

Podkolzin has been the surprise of the group. Playing alongside the league’s two biggest offensive stars, he has five goals and two assists for seven points, also with a plus-7 rating, and he has made the most of the opportunity.

It is a small sample size, and opponents will adjust. Still, the early returns suggest Edmonton may have found a productive fit on the wing for its two superstars. If the trio keeps this pace, the rest of the league will have a hard time slowing them down.

All the team needs now is to get players back that will create a solid second-line attack. Zach Hyman should be returning Tuesday night versus the Los Angeles Kings. That would give the Oilers Hyman with Jason Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen. Dickinson might be out of place, but he's doing a serviceable job with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out of the lineup. 

If the Oilers can eventually push Dicksinon down to a third-line center role, Edmonton's top nine looks good. Bring in Matt Savoie and the Oilers look well rounded, with the ability to keep that top line of McDavid, Draisaitl and Podkolzin together. 

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