The Edmonton Oilers are finding themselves in a slide as they push to hold onto not only their playoff spot but their seed in the Pacific Division.
With the final weeks approaching, and the Oilers only four points ahead of the eighth-seed in the West, it is time for them to step up and make changes. Of course, this all starts with some line shuffling that should help spark the offense.
Promote Milan Lucic
Lucic has three goals and five points through his last six games and appears to be finding his touch. Not to mention, he looks like he is playing a faster game and isn’t trying to be too fancy with the puck.
With this improvement and the recent lack of chemistry on the top unit, Lucic should be promoted. Additionally, he has been making the most of his physicality and also using speed to enter the zone effectively.
Though his line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle is showing chemistry, the Oilers have to change something. And perhaps this shake-up would trigger some kind of offense.
Put Caggiula In, Take Pouliot Out
Though Pouliot has been trying to hit the restart button on this season he’d rather forget, he hasn’t been effective. In fact, Pouliot has been costing the team on the backcheck and appears slow and sluggish on the rush. He isn’t adding much more pressure, and for the 30-year-old, it may be time for him to head to the press box.
He has slotted in on the third line alongside David Desharnais and Zack Kassian, replacing Drake Caggiula. With the rookie winger likely working to draw back into the lineup full-time, he will likely play with more effort than Pouliot.
Give Laurent Brossoit Minutes
Cam Talbot is excellent between the pipes, and is one of the reasons why Edmonton is in most games. But as the team enters the playoff race, he needs to get some time to rest. He looks exhausted at times, and considering the defence has left him out to dry of late, it is a good idea to rest Talbot.
Therefore, giving Brossoit some ice time in these upcoming games may push the Oilers to fight harder, and play a stronger defensive game. Plus, some experience for the Oilers backup goaltender wouldn’t hurt.