Oilers' coach wants third line to take on new identity this season
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - USA Today Sports
According to a recent social media posting from analyst Jim Matheson, Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch is intent on building a physical third-line this season.
Oilers looking to improve on last season's inconsistent 3rd-line
According to Hockey Viz metrics, last year Janmark and Henrique struggled to generate offensive play at a level below the league average. Janmark's offensive play-driving was particularly low, at 15% below league average.
In fact, their expected goals percentage (xGF%), a measure of the quality of chances they generated and gave up, was sometimes below 50%, indicating they were out-chanced. For the Oilers' to be successful, it needs its 3rd-line to be better.
3rd-line plays crucial role in shutting-down opposition
Often referred to as the 'checking line', the 3rd-line typically comprises more defensively-oriented forwards and grinders, as well as players that support the first-2 lines by providing scoring depth.
Having Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the Oilers' 3rd-line center gives the team a defensive edge, and he is quite capable of limiting scoring opportunities through strong checking and forechecking.
RNH's veteran presence can provide mentorship and stability also.
RNH's veteran presence can provide mentorship and stability also.
At RW, Trent Frederic is a strong physical presence and plays a hard-checking style; he is adept at providing defensive support. His aggressive game allows him to disrupt the opponent's offensive zone presence and win puck battles along the boards - his style compliments RNH.
A strong candidate for the 3rd-line role is Adam Henrique. He is experienced and provides veteran leadership. He is a reliable forward who has good faceoff skills at center, but can also play the LW position.
All three of these are capable of generating energy through their physical play and relentless work ethic, which can be crucial for maintaining momentum throughout a game.
While the 3rd-line's focus is primarily defensive, all three of RNH, Frederic and Henrique are capable of offense and scoring depth. In 2024-25, RNH scored 20G, Frederic 8G and Henrique 12, though each is quite capable of scoring 20-plus goals in a season.
However, from a purely physical standpoint, this trio can throw its weight around with the best in the league. This will be especially important in the playoffs, when a hard-checking, aggressive 3rd-line can be the difference in winning series.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 421 ANSWERS Oilers' coach wants third line to take on new identity this season Do you like an Oilers third line of RNH, Trent Frederic and Adam Henrique? | ||
| yes | 355 | 84.3 % |
| no | 66 | 15.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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