Chris Knoblauch announces change in the Edmonton Oilers' lineup amid Connor McDavid's suspension
The Edmonton Oilers practiced today with some changes in their lineup after losing Connor McDavid to suspension.
Coach Chris Knoblauch decided to focus on balancing the lines by notably demoting Jeff Skinner to the fourth line after a brief experiment on the top line.
Chris Knoblauch reveals the line he has in mind during the morning practice
Here are the lines used at practice:
The first line has Leon Draisaitl staying at center and maintaining continuity in McDavid's absence.
The second Line has Adam Henrique who is the center of Zach Hyman and Corey Perry who is adding veteran leadership.
The third Line has Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who will play with Janmark and Brown for a balanced two-way approach and the fourth line has Skinner, who continues to struggle for minutes, in the lineup.
Skinner's demotion shows his inability to secure the trust of the coaching staff and despite starting on the first line in yesterday's game, Knoblauch opted for more reliable options.
Being a healthy scratch in four of the last six games, Skinner's is seeing his role diminishing and it might suggest that his time in Edmonton may be near the end.
He may consider waiving his no-move clause to explore a trade if scratched again.
Knoblauch's adjustments aim to have a more balanced lineup, and Henrique's presence on the second line and Nugent-Hopkins moving to the third helps maintain defensive stability.
The Oilers face the Vancouver Canucks in their next game and it's a rivalry matchup expected to test their depth an even with the absence of McDavid, the team will aim to continue to play well.
