Edmonton Oilers Switch Up Lines, Still Playing Strong Hockey
By Sammi Silber
The Edmonton Oilers may be in the midst of a three-game losing streak, but they’re not playing poor hockey.
In fact, in their losses, the Oilers have done a lot right. They need to improve in the smaller areas, but overall, they are a better hockey team than the one that’s missed the playoffs for the last 10 years.
What is even more intriguing about this year’s Oilers is their level of discipline. When things aren’t going the right way, they don’t just reminisce anymore. They do something about it.
At Friday’s morning skate, Edmonton took the time to shuffle their forward lines in an attempt to get more scoring. Here are the lines that the Oilers had Friday:
Forwards:
Benoit Pouliot-Ryan Nugent-Hopkins-Jesse Puljujarvi
Patrick Maroon-Connor McDavid-Jordan Eberle
Milan Lucic-Leon Draisaitl-Zack Kassian
Anton Lander-Mark Letestu-Tyler Pitlick/Anton Slepyshev
As for the defensive corps, Eric Gryba is expected to return to the lineup, and some players may be moved up and down when it comes to pairings. Along with those changes, the Oilers will also switch things up between the pipes. Jonas Gustavsson is guaranteed at least one start over this coming weekend.
New Look, New Results?
With some of these moves, it is easy to see that the Oilers are trying to do something about their performance of late. Puljujarvi has been creating multiple offensive opportunities of late, and rightfully earned a promotion to the top six. However, I’d love to see him on a line with Connor McDavid, given their similar speed and Puljujarvi’s wicked ability to finish and shoot the puck.
As for Lucic, he was sent down to the third line, after he appeared to struggle on the first line at times. On the contrary, Eberle hasn’t been playing as a first-line winger should either, but he will remain on that unit with McDavid. Breaking this trio up is tough to watch, but in the end, it will work out and create more opportunities for the Oilers.
Fans shouldn’t worry about the Oilers, or think they’ve reverted to their losing ways. Sure, the Oilers have lost three straight games, but they weren’t easy matchups. First off, they had to face off against red-hot Craig Anderson, and the Senators’ strong defensive corps easily shut them out. Against the Maple Leafs, Edmonton eventually lost due to lack of scoring success, despite plenty of shots and a strong two-way battle.
Against the New York Rangers, the Oilers put up a strong performance against a team that leads the league in average goals per game (4.09). Edmonton found multiple ways to score and played an effortful match against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. However, because of poor defense, simple mistakes and inability to maintain the lead and momentum, the Oilers dropped the decision.
No Reason for Panic
Live Feed
Pucks and Pitchforks
Right now, the Oilers are tied with the Blackhawks for first in the Western Conference with 15 points. In addition, they hold a three-point lead in the Pacific Division. Overall, what cost them in these games are small mistakes that are, fortunately, easy to fix.
What it all comes down to is to simply improve in the little areas. They need to make sure they get big bodies up front and in the crease and work on deflections. Also, they can’t give up on the play and spend so much time hunting for the highlight-reel goal. In fact, they need to start playing more of a dump-and-chase game where they crash the net and fire away. Nowadays, the teams that simply throw whatever they can on net are the ones that escape with the win.
While three straight losses are nothing to be happy about, the Oilers have no reason to panic. They are still starting the year and are on one of their hardest road swings of the year. Edmonton is eighth in the league for goals against per game (2.45) and seventh in goals for (3.09). Not to mention, Cam Talbot leads the league with seven wins, and Connor McDavid is second in the NHL with 13 points.
Next: Are the Next One's Best Years Behind Him?
Bottom Line
Things may seem a bit worrisome. The Oilers are losing again, and given the last decade, it’s easy to see why fans are eager to jump to conclusions. However, this is a new-look team, one that is capable of winning. On and off the ice, this culture is changing, and they are not out of the picture by any means. In fact, they are just getting started.