Did Kris Knoblauch inadvertently create the best 3rd line in the NHL?
Photo credit: sportsnet
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has made some interested changes to the roster leading up to tomorrow night's game against the Boston Bruins.
Recently, Knoblauch made the interesting decision to promote forward Connor Brown, which resulted in Zach Hyman being moved down to the 3rd line.
Also, Jeff Skinner is currently on a heater, recording 2 points in his last 2 outings. Kris Knoblauch made the call to promote Skinner to the 3rd line -- and the new combination appears to be lethal.
According to the Hockey News, the hope, then, is that he can be buoyed by two top-six wingers in Hyman and Skinner. Hyman has had sparkling numbers all season long (65.7 xG%, 66.2 G%), while Skinner has played well in tough situations but has been the victim of bad luck (49.2 xG%, 40.5 G%).
The Oilers are now fully abandoning the idea of a checking third line. Skinner-Henrique-Hyman is a scoring line, with Hyman and Henrique winning puck battles and cleaning up the net front while Skinner shoots and makes plays.
Zach Hyman has been light's out since being left off Team Canada's 4 Nation Face-Off roster, impressively contributing offensively since suffering a broken nose.
This new look from Kris Knoblauch could also be a strategic move to help get Skinner and Henrique going. If Zach Hyman can drive his own line, perhaps he can help kickstart his lineaments into their offensive groove.
Suddenly, the Edmonton Oilers boast an elite first line, and the outcomes could exceed expectation.
Oilers fans will get a great look at their newly formed 3rd line tomorrow against the Boston Bruins.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 270 ANSWERS Did Kris Knoblauch inadvertently create the best 3rd line in the NHL? Do you think this 3rd line could be lethal togehter? | ||
| Yes | 245 | 90.7 % |
| No | 25 | 9.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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