The Edmonton Oilers are rolling into tonight’s matchup against New Jersey with a few key pieces missing and some creative lineup adjustments to show for it. With Leon Draisaitl away on compassionate leave in Germany and winger Kasperi Kapanen sidelined due to injury, head coach Kris Knoblauch is having to get a little crafty - and that means we’re looking at an 11-forward, 7-defenseman setup.
**Let’s start in net. ** Connor Ingram gets the nod tonight, and frankly, it’s hard to argue with the decision.
Ingram is coming off a shutout and has quietly been the Oilers’ most consistent presence between the pipes over the past month. In nine appearances, he’s posted a .917 save percentage - not just solid, but confidence-inspiring for a team that’s been juggling three goaltenders: Ingram, Tristan Jarry, and Calvin Pickard.
Jarry, for comparison, has a .907 save percentage in five games, while Pickard remains the third man in the rotation.
**Up front, the forward group has been shuffled to compensate for the missing bodies. ** Jack Roslovic moves from his usual third-line center role up to the wing, joining Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Trent Frederic on the second line.
That leaves rookies Matt Savoie and Ike Howard without a true center on the fourth line, but they won’t be left to fend for themselves. Expect to see a rotation of centers - McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins, and possibly even Roslovic - stepping in to take draws and provide structure.
For Savoie and Howard, this is a golden opportunity. Sure, the lack of a steady line might be a bit chaotic, but getting shifts with McDavid and RNH?
That’s the kind of on-the-job training you dream about. Even if the minutes are limited or a bit scattered, skating alongside elite talent can fast-track development and boost confidence.
Here’s how the lines and pairings are expected to shake out:
- Podkolzin - McDavid - Hyman
- Frederic - RNH - Roslovic
- Mangiapane - Lazar - Janmark
- Howard - Savoie
On defense, the Oilers are rolling with seven blueliners:
- Ekholm - Bouchard
- Nurse - Emberson
- Walman - Stastney
- Regula (extra skater)
Goaltenders: Ingram (starter), Jarry, Pickard
Power Play Tweaks
One of the more intriguing wrinkles comes on the man advantage. With Draisaitl out, the Oilers initially tried Jake Walman on the left half-wall - Draisaitl’s usual real estate.
But Walman’s positioning was a bit off, setting up closer to the middle of the ice than Draisaitl typically does. That subtle shift in spacing disrupted the unit’s rhythm.
Now, Vasily Podkolzin gets a crack at that spot. Podkolzin has shown he can set up wide and fire off a one-timer with authority - a key trait in replicating Draisaitl’s role.
It’s a smart adjustment. Rather than trying to mold Walman into a fit, Knoblauch is opting to plug in someone whose natural tendencies align more closely with what the Oilers need on that unit.
Bottom Line
The Oilers are in a bit of a roster bind, but there’s a method to the madness. Going 11-and-7 allows them to keep all three goalies on the roster while giving young players like Savoie and Howard valuable exposure to top-line talent. Ingram’s start is well-earned, and the power play experiment with Podkolzin could pay off if it helps restore the unit’s balance.
It’s not the lineup they’d draw up in an ideal world - but it might just be the kind of night where adaptability turns into opportunity.