Edmonton Oilers form new third line heading into Game 5 of Cup Final
Photo credit: Imagn Images
After two subpar showings in Games 2 and 3, the Oilers made a desperate move to insert Jeff Skinner into the lineup - and they may have found their new third line.
Jeff Skinner was paired with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic on the new-look third line, and the trio absolutely owned their minutes. For the first time this series, the Oilers had a third line to counter the Panthers' great third line.
Edmonton Oilers form new look third line with addition of Jeff Skinner
After only getting into two games earlier this postseason, Jeff Skinner was the catalyst that transformed the third line last night. Skinner led the Oilers in individual expected goals, and when his line was on the ice the Oilers dominated scoring chances for the first time.
Jeff Skinner leading the Oilers to play in the offensive zone opened up more for Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic, too. Henrique is able to make skill plays, and Frederic is better causing havoc in the crease instead of chasing around the D-zone with a high ankle sprain.
Not only was Skinner driving play for the Oilers third line and creating scoring chances, he was also even getting in on the pest activity.
Before last night's game, the Panthers third line of Marchand, Lundell, and Luostarinen had been eating the Oilers alive, and was key to their entire playoff success. It's critical for the Oilers to be able to counter their third line, and they finally found a combo to work.
Jeff Skinner should remain in Oilers lineup for Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final
It's been a tough year for Skinner, mostly playing 4th line minutes and being scratched fairly often. Even through the playoffs, although he only played 2 games prior to last night, he proved he was ready and effective with 2 points.
With such great results in a tough road game, there's no chance the Oilers should break up this third line in Game 5. Jeff Skinner has to stay in the lineup, and try to replicate their game 4 performance.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 623 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers form new third line heading into Game 5 of Cup Final Do you think Jeff Skinner should play again in Game 5? | ||
| Yes | 515 | 82.7 % |
| No | 108 | 17.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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