Kris Knoblauch mixes up the lines at practice, two players absent
Photo credit: YOUTUBE
The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for an Eastern Conference showdown against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night, and head coach Kris Knoblauch has shuffled the lines in today's practice.
Notably, forward Kasperi Kapanen and defenceman Mattias Ekholm were absent from practice this morning.
While the nature of of their off-day is unclear, both are likely taking a maintenance day to rest some minor bumps and bruises.
With that being said, Kris Knoblauch has made some intriguing adjustments to the lineup, reverting to a formula previously used this season.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, The Oilers are returning to a line combination they used previously this year, featuring Zach Hyman on the third line with Jeff Skinner. According to reporter Tony Brar, the lines at practice were as follows.
Connor Brown will move up to the first line right wing alongside Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The second line will remain intact, and Jeff Skinner will move up to the third line and join Zach Hyman with Adam Henrique to create a third line that can play a 200 foot game. Janmark bumps down to center the fourth line.
Without Ekholm in the lineup, Nurse moves up to play first pairing minutes with Bouchard. John Klingberg will play on the second pair with Brett Kulak.
-Oilers Daily
Without Ekholm in the lineup, Nurse moves up to play first pairing minutes with Bouchard. John Klingberg will play on the second pair with Brett Kulak.
-Oilers Daily
Last week, Mattias Ekholm was listed as a game-time decision due to a minor injury sustained.
It appears that the Swedish defenceman is playing through quite a bit of discomfort, and the 4 Nations Faceoff is right around the corner.
Recently, Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietragelo announced he has withdrawn from the tournament to rest bumps and bruises and prepare for final two months of the regular season.
Although Mattias Ekholm has expressed a considerable amount of excitement for the tournament, it should be interesting to see if Mattias Ekholm follows suit.
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