Edmonton Oilers officially unveil playoff lineup against Los Angeles Kings
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers have taken to the ice for one of their final practices before Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, and have revealed their expected lineup.
The Oilers have been dealing with significant injuries in the last weeks, but the only regular player ruled out for the series is Mattias Ekholm - a huge loss for Edmonton.
Edmonton Oilers unveil playoff lineup at final practices
According to numerous reporters at practice, the Oilers expected lineup for the playoffs is as follows:
Of note, Trent Frederic's blue jersey marks him as a bottom six player, while the players in grey jerseys are considered to be extras.
The Oilers then made a few interesting tweaks to the lineup for Game 1, starting with Connor McDavid's line. Zach Hyman is back next to the Oilers captain, but Connor Brown will also retain his spot and look to continue his hot streak of chemistry with McDavid.
Nugent-Hopkins centring a third line of Jeff Skinner and Adam Henrique creates a very competitive third line. Skinner has been playing much better lately, and Henrique is now more suited to the wing.
The fourth line is curiously centered by Kasperi Kapanen, with Mattias Janmark and the pest Corey Perry sticking in the lineup.
On defence, Josh Brown is expected to draw into the lineup in place of Troy Stecher, who is also out with an undisclosed injury.
Injuries still affecting the Edmonton Oilers
Not seeing Trent Frederic or Evander Kane in line rushes today is slightly concerning for their availability for Game 1 of the playoffs, but the Oilers forward group is still incredibly deep.
Neither player should be far away, and Frederic specifically wearing blue must be a good sign for his health.
If the Oilers health and goaltending can hold up, they've got elite talent on forward and defence to carry this team back to another Stanley Cup Final, and get a better result this time.
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AVRIL 18 | 1073 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers officially unveil playoff lineup against Los Angeles Kings Do you think the Oilers will beat the Kings in the playoffs this season? | ||
| Oilers win | 834 | 77.7 % |
| Kings win | 239 | 22.3 % |
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