Edmonton Oilers confirm two major changes to Game 5 lineup vs Dallas Stars
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers on X
The Edmonton Oilers have taken to the ice for practice before Game 5, and it appears Mattias Ekholm will return to the lineup for the first time this playoffs.
The return of their top pairing defender will now give the Oilers one of the deepest blue lines in the NHL, and will slightly soften the blow of losing Zach Hyman for the playoffs.
Mattias Ekholm return to Oilers lineup in Game 5 vs Dallas Stars
The Oilers will see Ekholm line up back o the first pairing with Evan Bouchard, and they'll also see Jeff Skinner draw into the lineup on the third line.
It's still uncertain if the Oilers will play 12 forwards and 6 defence, or 11 forwards and 7 defence. Troy Stecher has played far well enough to stay in the lineup, and perhaps ease Ekholm back in.
However, the loss of both Hyman and Connor Brown for Game 5 may force the Oilers into dressing the extra forward, and scratching Troy Stecher.
Jeff Skinner projects to return to Oilers lineup in Game 5
Without Hyman and Brown, the Oilers forward group is seriously being shaken up. Corey Perry will take the first line assignment, Evander Kane has been promoted to the second line, and Jeff Skinner will play just his second game of the postseason.
The Oilers clearly haven't lived the fit of Jeff Skinner all season. His defensive shortcomings have never been worth the offensive talent for Knoblauch, and the Oilers simply had better bottom six options.
However, now with a chance to enter the lineup in a game that could send the team to the Cup Final, Skinner has a chance to prove his worth. He should be hungry to play one of the best games of his career.
The Oilers now know the Florida Panthers will be waiting for them in the Cup Final if they can eliminate the Dallas Stars. There's every opportunity for Edmonton to redeem their loss last year, and deliver the first McDavid-era Cup.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 895 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers confirm two major changes to Game 5 lineup vs Dallas Stars Will the Oilers eliminate the Stars tonight? | ||
| Yes | 853 | 95.3 % |
| No | 42 | 4.7 % |
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