HIGHLIGHTS
- Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch hints at lineup changes for Game 4 against Panthers
- Stuart Skinner’s starting job in question after being pulled in Game 3
- Read below for potential lineup changes and what it means for Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers are shaking things up.
Down 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final, coach Kris Knoblauch dropped some hints about lineup changes coming for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.
“We haven’t confirmed that, we haven’t discussed that with our players yet, but there are some things we’ve been thinking about and there might be a lineup change,” Knoblauch told reporters Wednesday.
Stecher In, Klingberg Out?
According to NHL insider Mark Spector, defenseman Troy Stecher looks ready to replace John Klingberg in the lineup. It’s a move that makes sense after Klingberg’s brutal turnover led directly to a Panthers goal in Game 3.
Knoblauch praised Stecher’s reliability. “Troy’s been very valuable to our team through the regular season and playoffs. As a defenseman, that’s really important.”
Klingberg’s had a rough go lately. He coughed up the puck in overtime of Game 2 that nearly cost Edmonton the game. Then came that costly giveaway in Game 3.
Goalie Mystery Continues
Here’s where it gets interesting. Knoblauch won’t say who’s starting in net.
Stuart Skinner got yanked after allowing five goals on 23 shots in Monday’s 6-1 loss. He’s given up 13 goals in three games this series. That’s a .866 save percentage for those keeping track at home.
Calvin Pickard came in relief and looked solid. The backup’s been money when called upon – he’s 6-0 in these playoffs.
“Calvin has always been a guy that’s been able to come in and give us good, quality starts,” Knoblauch said.
There’s history here too. Pickard started four straight games against Los Angeles in Round 1 after Skinner struggled. The Oilers won all four.
Nugent-Hopkins Still Questionable
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains a game-time decision with an undisclosed injury. He gutted through Game 3 but didn’t record a point.
If he can’t go, Jeff Skinner would likely slide in on the top line with Connor McDavid and Corey Perry. That’s what they ran in practice Tuesday.
The Oilers know they’re in trouble. They’ve lost two straight and looked lost in Game 3’s third-period meltdown.
McDavid and Leon Draisaitl went pointless Monday night. That can’t happen if Edmonton wants to even this series.
Game 4 feels like a must-win. Another loss puts them in a 3-1 hole that few teams climb out of.
We’ll find out Thursday if Knoblauch’s changes can spark his team. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena.
