Oilers adjust lineup after coach calls out the roster, veteran forward absent from practice
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice for practice today in New Jersey, and debuted a slightly different lineup after their disappointing loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
After the Oilers loss to Buffalo, Coach Knoblauch spoke out that some players are actively hurting the team with their poor play.
Edmonton Oilers lines unveiled at practice in New Jersey
According to Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer, the team will be rolling with a similar lineup as last game - but with Jeff Skinner still hanging on the second line, and with Mattias Janmark-Nylen absent from the group.
Defence pairs remain the same, as Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg remain unavailable with injuries. Both defenders aren't currently travelling with the team, and Ekholm may be shut down for some time to deal with an injury or illness.
Oilers running back Jeff Skinner on second line, Janmark potentially unavailable
Mattias Janmark being absent from the practice entirely suggests the veteran forward may be dealing with an injury, and could potentially be unavailable for the next game.
However, it's great to see Jeff Skinner get a repeated shot in the lineup after being healthy scratched so consistently. Skinner has played quality hockey for a long stretch despite his scratches, and frankly, should be in the lineup over Janmark's 2 goals.
The Oilers will miss Janmark's penalty killing if he's out, but perhaps new Oiler Max Jones can fill the same role - and on a cheaper contract.
Puck drops against the New Jersey Devils Thursday night at 5:00MT, continuing the Oilers 4 game road trip.
| POLL | ||
MARS 12 | 654 ANSWERS Oilers adjust lineup after coach calls out the roster, veteran forward absent from practice Do you think the Oilers should keep Janmark out of the lineup? | ||
| Yes, other players are better | 349 | 53.4 % |
| No, he's good | 305 | 46.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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