Oilers announce bold line changes for tonight's game vs. Capitals

With their record dropping to 9-8-4 and outside of a playoff spot, Coach Knoblauch is reportedly now on the hot seat. The Oilers offence and defence have cratered from expectations this season, and it needs to turn around fast.

Reporters at practice revealed the Oilers will deploy the following lines today:

Andrew Mangiapane has been demoted off the first line, with Jack Roslovic moving from up from the second line.

The top two lines have been the least of problems for the Oilers, but Mangiapane in particular has been a disappointment with only 7 points in 21 games. Roslovic on the other hand has been outstanding, and deserves any more ice time he gets.

Zach Hyman has been bumped down to the third line, but it's surely not a demotion. Paired with Henrique and Frederic, the coaching staff is likely hoping for Hyman to drive this line and give a little depth to the Oilers lineup.

It's a bold move to take Hyman out of the top-six after he immediately gave them a boost, but Knoblauch is trying anything to get the struggling bottom six going.

Interestingly, both Philp and Lazar were absent of today's practice. It's possible the Oilers could use 11 forwards and 7 defenceman, with both Regula and Emberson playing.

The rest of the defence pairs will be shuffled entirely, as well.

The Capitals are in a similar position as the Oilers with their 9-8-2 record, fighting to stay just above .500. Every game will matter more for the Oilers now as they battle to get back into a playoff spot.