Oilers reveal new lines for Game 4 after blowout loss to Panthers, star forward absent

Star forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was absent from practice again today, after being listed a game time decision in Game 3. Given his recent dip in play, Nuge could be playing through an injury.

According to Oilers reporters at practice, the team prepared with the same forward lines, with Jeff Skinner filling in for Nugent-Hopkins' first line spot.

After playing in Game 3, it's likely that Nuge is taking a maintenance day and will play in Game 4 - but he doesn't appear close to fully healthy at all.

On the defensive end, changes are expected to be coming. The Oilers tried a mess of defensive pairings in Game 3, and the Florida Panthers tore them apart.

Darnell Nurse and John Klingberg in particular have struggled in the Cup Final. The Oilers tried elevating Nurse to the first pair alongside Bouchard to help, but instead it just made things worse - and Klingberg was a fire sale lower in the lineup.

The Oilers are going back to some tried and true pairings of Ekholm with Bouchard and Walman with Kulak. Nurse and Klingberg paired together would be terrifying, but maybe they would be used as a sheltered third pair.

However, according to insider Chris Johnston, the Oilers were disguising their line pairings a little more than usual. There still could be potential for more changes before Game 4, and the Oilers don't want to tip their hand.

Through the first three games of the series, the Oilers have got away from their high speed and skill game, the depth has dissipated, and they've been dragged into the Panthers' muddy style of play. The Oilers will need to make major changes to get back to their style, and find some life in this series again.