Oilers scratching new free agent addition among lineup changes vs Red Wings

Coach Knoblauch made waves with his recent lineups, demoting Matt Savoie to the 4th line and scratching Philp and Howard. In today's game, there will be big changes with all 3 players.

UPDATE: The Oilers full lineup for today's game against the Detroit Red Wings is as follows:

Speaking to the media before the game, Coach Knoblauch revealed that David Tomasek and Curtis Lazar will come out of the lineup. In their place, Noah Philp and Ike Howard will play.

It's significant to see the Oilers scratch Tomasek, their $1.2M Czech free agent addition. He's played feature minutes on the powerplay and registered tons of scoring chances to start the year, but hasn't buried a goal.

Given how much he's been around the net, a breakthrough must be coming soon - and it also raises doubt on Knoblauch's decision.

By scratching Tomasek, the Oilers are sending the message that the results aren't good enough. Hopefully, he can work on his release and make good on his chances.

On the flip side of the Tomasek scratch, it's good to see Howard and Philp get back into games.

Philp in particular has had a strong effort on the 4th line early this season, and didn't deserve to sit for 3 games. Howard has been improving every game, and isn't suited to a 4th line role, but it's still better than sitting.

With Tomasek off the top unit of the powerplay, Matt Savoie getting a look alongside the Oilers top players should be exciting. Savoie has clearly been the most developed and NHL ready rookie of the three, and has earned this promotion.

Now the Oilers will look to answer McDavid's call to improve after a disappointing loss to the Devils, and take care of business on the road against the Detroit Red Wings.