Insider shares projected Game 1 playoff lineup for Edmonton Oilers

The full schedule of the playoffs have now also been released, beginning Monday April 21st in Los Angeles.

The Oilers are still dealing with a slew of injuries, but everyone except Mattias Ekholm is expected to be ready for Game 1.

Jack Michaels' projected lineup involves some surprising changes from the norm, including an extended look at Skinner and Brown with Connor McDavid, and Evander Kane and Trent Frederic fighting for 3LW.

The first line has seen some nice success in the last stretch of games. Connor Brown is effectively playing a role of puck retriever and net front, and Jeff Skinner's created offence with McDavid too. With their latest hot streak, this line could stick together in Game 1.

The second like of Podkolzin, Draisaitl, and Arvidsson has been the most consistent line all season, and it's clearly going to stick together through the playoffs.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman have created offence at times throughout this season on the third line, and it's a combination that could extend further - but their last linemate is in question.

The Oilers may face some real tough decisions in their bottom six. If both of Evander Kane and Trent Frederic are available, the coach will have to weigh if it's even worth it to play two players coming off long-term injuries - and if it is, who has to come out?

Mattias Janmark has only scored 2 goals this season, and is sparingly used as an energy player on the penalty kill. The Oilers shouldn't be in a position to scratch anyone else for Janmark to play, and if Knoblauch does, it will be a very questionable choice.