Oilers insider suggests another surprising change for in Game 4 lineup
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers need to make changes after a blowout loss in Game 3 of the Cup Final, and now insiders believe Jeff Skinner could find his way back into the lineup.
The Oilers defence has clearly been struggling through the first three games, and insiders strongly believe that Troy Stecher will be added into Game 4, and the Oilers also haven't committed to a goalie - but there could still be more changes coming.
Oilers insider believes Jeff Skinner will enter lineup in Game 4 vs Florida Panthers
On today's edition of Jason Strudwick's Podcast, both Strudwick and TSN insider Ryan Rishaug believe that Jeff Skinner could be inserted into the lineup to help out with depth scoring. Trent Frederic could be the player coming out.
RISHAUG: I'd be erring on the side of getting more flow and offence in there. I know they haven't loved Jeff Skinner - and had he not come in already and scored and produced in these playoffs, I'd say no chance at all - but you're looking at a guy that scored a reasonable amount for his ice time. I can't help but think that might be tempting. Frederic for Skinner?
STRUDWICK: I wouldn't be against it. What I like about it is fresh people in the lineup.
STRUDWICK: I wouldn't be against it. What I like about it is fresh people in the lineup.
Through the first three games of the finals, the Oilers bottom six has failed to be a factor at all. Inserting Jeff Skinner could bring an element of scoring to the bottom six, and perhaps even help in the top six.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is struggling while playing through an injury, and the Oilers have already lost Zach Hyman. Perhaps Skinner could earn some spot shifts in the offensive zone to make up for lost scoring there.
If Skinner were to come into the lineup, it would be Trent Frederic as the odd man out. The Oilers clearly like Frederic more than Skinner long term, but right now he's not making much of a contribution while playing hurt other than drawing the Oilers into the Panthers' scrum game.
The Oilers haven't loved Skinner all year and have scratched him in all but 2 playoff games, so in a sense it would be shocking to see him play in the Cup Final.
However, this is a 33 year old veteran of 1078 NHL games with 373 goals. Theres a good chance Skinner could provide the Oilers with some sorely needed offence, and is called upon for it in Game 4.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 11 | 724 ANSWERS Oilers insider suggests another surprising change for in Game 4 lineup Do you think Jeff Skinner should play Game 4? | ||
| Yes | 605 | 83.6 % |
| No | 119 | 16.4 % |
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