Edmonton Oilers Lineup Prediction: Forwards
By Zane Tomich
Depth is important. It provides endless amounts of options for a team and it creates new opportunity for under achieving performances.
The Edmonton Oilers have a considerable amount of depth at forward. As hard as it is to believe there is some good that came from all of those years of finishing at the bottom of the standings. They accrued multiple top picks. As a result of this, there is now an abundance of young, world class talent occupying the Oilers top two forward lines.
There is a good mix of quality veterans and secondary scorers on this team as well. Experienced players like Benoit Pouliot, Matt Hendricks, Mark Letestu, Ted Purcell, Lauri Korpikoski and the emerging Anton Lander are the type of depth players needed to make a team competitive and successful. They solidify the roster.
Because the Oilers have a deep group of forwards, there are many options to consider when determining line combinations.
Here is my prediction of what the Oilers forward lines will look like to start the 2015/2016 season:
Line 1: Pouliot – Nuge – Eberle
Line 2: Hall – McDavid – Yak
Line 3: Korpikoski – Letestu – Purcell
Line 4: Hendricks – Lander – Pitlick
Extras: Klinkhammer – Gazdic
Line 1:
In 2014/2015, Taylor Hall went down with an injury, which forced him to miss a large chunk of the season. During that time, electrifying chemistry exploded between Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Benoit Pouliot. These three proved to be a very effective, dangerous first line for the Oilers in the last half of the season.
They were producing consistent offence at a high rate. I believe they should be kept together and start as the Oilers first line unit in 2015/2016.
Line 2:
This combination excites me. Line 2 has it all. Hall provides his run and gun, speed driven, power game. Connor McDavid has the quickness, slick hands and passing ability to get his line mates the puck. Nail Yakupov has the rocket-like shot to finish every play. I see a future number one line between these three players.
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However, the best thing to do to start the 2015/2016 season is to let this line develop their chemistry. There is no need to rush them into the main role as the “Go To” line.
Bombarding Hall, Yak and McDavid with tough assignments and big minutes at the beginning of the season could overwhelm them. It is best to keep the pressure low to start off and gradually increase their responsibility as a line when they begin to show progress and growth. Let them mature as a unit.
Line 3:
I recognize this line as “The Vet Line”. Korpikoski, Letestu and Purcell have all proven they can score and play a responsible game. All three players have at least one 40 point season under their belt. They have valuable NHL experience and provide a reliable secondary scoring. Leadership is plentiful on this line.
I think at some point in the 2015/2016 season, Purcell needs to be given an opportunity to play on the first or second line. He has had major success in the past playing with players that can score. We could see that success return if he’s given the chance to skate with the top guns.
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Line 4:
The “Wagon Line” will look a little bit different in 2015/2016. With Boyd Gordon gone, Anton Lander will fill in as the fourth line centre. Although, Lander will most certainly be battling Mark Letestu for minutes on the third line. I like the fact that Lander adds more skill to the fourth line.
Matt Hendricks is a tireless warrior that can grind it out and lay some thundering hits. His leadership is an asset for this young team.
Tyler Pitlick proved to be very effective and useful before he was injured last season. He is physical and has good size and skill. When Pitlick returned for his lengthy injury, he continued to play well. I have faith in Pitlick to be a full time NHLer, but one key question remains. Can he stay healthy?
Extras:
In my opinion there is use for a player like Luke Gazdic, but in a limited role. I think it’s good to have Gazdic around to knock a few heads and police the ice even if he plays a handful of games. Lets not forget that he has shown he can skate well and keep up with the pace of the game. Unfortunately Gazdic will be in a tough battle for the final roster spot.
Rob Klinkhammer works hard and plays physical, but thats it. He won’t fight and he can’t really produce any offence. I think there is not much use for him on this team unless he is in a very limited, sheltered role. At best, he’s a spare part for the fourth line. There could be better options to consider internally and externally.
The Oilers will have four quality forward lines to start the 2015/2016 season. They have intriguing options to play around with. It will be interesting to see how players respond with their line mates.
Every line has the skill and ability to be consistent contributors for 82 games. The Oilers offensive numbers have a chance to improve this season as well. All that is needed to achieve major success is cooperation and chemistry between each line. The catch is that its a process. It will take time, effort and patience.