Oilers fans call for Coach Knoblauch to dress Sam Gagner in Stanley Cup Final
Now down 2 games in the series heading back to home ice in Edmonton, the Oilers need to break out any advantage they can. Some fans think Sam Gagner could bring some much needed energy to the team.
Despite not playing a game since April, some fans think the 34 year old veteran Gagner could provide a big emotional boost for the team, and chip in with some offence on the fourth line.
Gagner will not have name engraved on Cup unless he plays one game in the Final
Not only that, but currently if the Oilers do come back and win this series, Gagner will not have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. He doesn't meet the eligibility for games played in a season, and would need to play at least one game in the Final to qualify.
At the very least, having Gagner in the lineup may get an especially huge uproar from the fans at Rogers Place on Thursday. Gagner lost his regular spot in the lineup when Perry was acquired, but he's still kept up in practice and acted as a great veteran leader for many Oilers through the playoffs.
When Stuart Skinner was scratched, Gagner was the first seen giving him a pep talk on the bench at practice - and this is just one example of Gagner's leadership.
His play on the ice in the first half of the season was incredible too. After signing with the Oilers on a Tryout Contract, Gagner made the team and had an impressive 5 goals and 10 points in 28 games on the fourth line. As always, Gagner found a way to contribute with some timely points.
It would be an extremely bold move to insert Gagner in to look for an emotional boost and to reward a 34 year old Oiler legend, but Knoblauch has made bolder moves. In game 3, it might not be the worst idea to see if Gagner can be someone the team can rally around, and bring out their best effort in a must win game.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Oilers should play Gagner in game 3? | ||
| Yes, it can't hurt to try | 267 | 65.9 % |
| No, he's not one of our best 12 forwards | 91 | 22.5 % |
| See Results | 47 | 11.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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