Oilers confirm lines and starting goalie for tonight’s game vs. Wild

Last time out against the San Jose Sharks, the Oilers finally notched their first 3-game win streak of the entire season. They continued a troubling trend of benching nearly half the team, but they’re finally starting to find some consistency in line combos.

According to reporters present at practice, the Oilers will use the following lines tonight:

All lines will remain the same as their previous game, including Mangiapane and Alec Regula sitting out as healthy scratches. Goaltender Tristan Jarry will get the start in net after getting the night off vs. San Jose.

Unsurprisingly, the top two forward lines have become the backbone of this team, and led them to their success this season.

The classic top unit of Nuge, McDavid, and Hyman has consistently been one of the NHL’s most lethal lines over the last few years. There’s an argument to be made that Nuge could drop down to elevate the third line, but leaving them together will lead to nearly guaranteed success.

However, Draisaitl’s second line has taken a major step forward this season. The pairing of Draisaitl and Podkolzin formed last season, and has flourished even more this year as Podkolzin has taken a step forward with his game.

Kasperi Kapanen has been a surprisingly good addition to this line. He’s always had the raw skill of speed, but he’s raised his intensity and forechecking this season, and it’s led to more offence.

The third line of Samanski, Savoie, and Roslovic has looked promising in the few games they’ve had, with the young German centre impressing. The 4th line has finally found a groove, but still doesn’t get much ice time in their role.

Jake Walman will move up to the second pairing on defence alongside Darnell Nurse. It may be a tough task for Walman to play his off-side, but hopefully he can steady the play of his often-erratic partner. This pairing may be the most important aspect of the lineup to watch tonight.

The Minnesota Wild always seem to rise the task when facing up against the Oilers. Edmonton will have a tough task tonight as they look to notch their first 4-game win streak of the season.

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