Oilers coach confirms lineup change for Game 4, answers starting goalie
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are heading into a crucial Game 4 tomorrow night, and Coach Knoblauch has confirmed that at least one line change will occur.
The Oilers lined up at practice yesterday with the same lines they played Game 3 with, but after the blowout loss, Edmonton needs to respond with an adjustment.
Oilers coach Knoblauch reveals injury update on Nugent-Hopkins, answers starting goalie, confirms line change
Speaking to the media this morning, Coach Knoblauch addressed three important details for the Oilers: Nugent-Hopkins will still be a game time decision for Game 4, he has not decided on a starting goalie, and one change will likely happen.
The lineup change should be the most predictable for the Edmonton Oilers - they desperately need a change on defence. Darnell Nurse and John Klingberg have struggled in the finals, and a change needs to happen.
Troy Stecher is waiting in the wings after playing fantastic hockey for the Oilers earlier this playoffs. Whether they take pot Klingberg to pit Stecher in, or scratch a forward like Trent Frederic to play 11 forward and 7 defenceman - the Oilers just need to get Stecher in the lineup for some help.
Later in the coach's press conference, he again said the line change is very likely. All signs suggest he's talking about Stecher.
Troy Stecher should come in for Game 4 lineup
The Oilers starting goalie and decision with Nugent-Hopkins is a little less clear. Nugent-Hopkins will play if it's at all physically possible, but his abilities have been restricted by playing through an injury. He's been joining practices late, and noticeably tender while handling pucks.
Stuart Skinner was pulled in Game 3, but the Oilers will likely go back to him to start Game 4.
He's the starter they've chosen to back through this season through thick and thin. However, if he falters early on in Game 4, he should be pulled very quickly for Pickard.
Hopefully the addition of Stecher will help out the defence, while Nuge and Skinner can reach their best levels to finish off the series. The Oilers need to win Game 4, or they'll be in a tough spot to come back for a Cup Win.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 11 | 821 ANSWERS Oilers coach confirms lineup change for Game 4, answers starting goalie Do you think the Oilers will put in Stecher for Game 4? | ||
| Yes | 627 | 76.4 % |
| No | 108 | 13.2 % |
| They should have earlier | 86 | 10.5 % |
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