Oilers analyst argues forward Zach Hyman is in for a demotion
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell has made the case that Oilers forward Zach Hyman should be demoted off the top line after head coach Kris Knoblauch made a change which has sparked Connor McDavid.
Knoblauch Was forced to make several decisions in his lineup as the injury bug bit hard which caused several players to be on different lines which appears to have found some magic with Connor McDavid, Connor Brown and Jeff Skinner.
Moving Hyman down would make team better
At some point, Knoblauch made a decision to run McDavid with two depth wingers, Jeff Skinner and Connor Brown. The line clicked. Skinner-McDavid-Brown have played 44 minutes together, scoring 5.39 goals per 60 (4-0 goals) with 72 percent expected goals.
If Hyman isn't needed there, Edmonton can use him on the third line with Nugent-Hopkins. What's more, Hyman is adept at playing either wing, meaning all manner of forwards could populate the third line. - Allan Mitchell
If Hyman isn't needed there, Edmonton can use him on the third line with Nugent-Hopkins. What's more, Hyman is adept at playing either wing, meaning all manner of forwards could populate the third line. - Allan Mitchell
This kind of organizational depth is crucial for the Oilers as they attempt to make it to the Stanley Cup finals for a second year in a row.
A balanced attack with three or four solid lines are the recipe for success and the Oilers will be deep up front once all players are healthy.
Several Oilers prepared to return to lineup with Game 1 approaching
Prior to their game against the San Jose Sharks where they won 3-0, defenseman Jake Walman and forward Trent Frederic were on the ice during a formal practice as they get closer to their return.
The Oilers are hoping for the return of Leon Draisaitl along with Evander Kane who has been out all season after having abdominal and knee surgery.
The team is preparing themselves for Game One against the Los Angeles Kings where they will open the series on the road. The series is set to open on Monday April 21st and game time will be 10:00 PM eastern.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 758 ANSWERS Oilers analyst argues forward Zach Hyman is in for a demotion Should the Oilers move Zach Hyman to the third line to give the team a balanced look? | ||
| Yes | 401 | 52.9 % |
| No | 357 | 47.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
