Oilers reveal new line combinations at practice, new forward earns big promotion

Coach Knoblauch aggressively made some changes during their game against the Rangers, opting for a more balanced deployment in a tight road game. Judging by their looks at practice, they want to keep the balanced lineup.

According to reporters at Oilers practice, the team took line rushes in the following groups:

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were split up against the Rangers, and it looks like something the Oilers will continue to try.

Mangiapane is staying on the first after a solid effort, and David Tomasek has earned a major promotion to the top line. It's well deserved for Tomasek, who's looked great to start the year.

Jack Roslovic will stay alongside Leon Draisaitl on the second line, with Nugent-Hopkins taking left wing duty.

Trent Frederic remains in the third line center position coming off a solid showing against the Rangers - maybe finally finding a role for him. With Podkolzin and Kapanen, this can be a hard and fast 3rd line for the Oilers.

Matt Savoie has been bumped down to join Adam Henrique and Ike Howard on the 4th line despite his quality play to start the season.

Defence pairings remain intact from last game, with both Alec Regula and Jake Walman still not full participants in practice.

Marching onward in their 5-game road trip, the Oilers have the opportunity to experiment with their lines now before dialling in their game on home ice. So far, the Oilers have done just that while avoiding their tendency of a slow start.