After an emotional game one for Edmonton Oilers fans, they now have to get reset for game two. Game one was full of emotional ups and downs; the Oilers were at one point down 4-0 and were able to tie the game at 5 with little time left on the clock only to have the Kings score one more goal late and end up with the victory. As the Oilers look to tie the series they have made some changes to their lineup, changes that they hope will move the needle in their favour.
Evander Kane is back in
For the first time this season Evander Kane will put on an Oilers and play in an NHL game. After having offseason surgery and then an additional knee surgery, Kane is making his first appearance for the Oilers in the 2025-25 season. While I assume he will not be in full on game mode, the addition of Kane should give the Oilers a bump of energy. Kane himself usually provides extra energy to any game by the way he throws his body around. If he can do that tonight the Oilers will be a tough team to beat.
In order for Kane to come back in the lineup someone had to come out and that player is Jeff Skinner. While Skinner is a solid player in offensive zone, his defensive game does struggle, also he is more of a top 6 player than a bottom 6 player and with Kane being penciled in the top 6 that leaves a Skinner with no place to go except for out of the line up.
Klingberg in, Brown out
While this move is not as major as bringing in Kane, John Klingberg will also be returning to the lineup today. Coming out of the lineup is Josh Brown, this move is not as significant of a move because Brown had barely any ice time in game one. While Brown does bring some good size, Klingberg is much better at moving the puck around. Both of them aren't very fleet of foot, so Knoblauch must want the puck moving more than the size in tonight's game.
While this game is not a must win game, the Oilers would much rather return back to Edmonton with the series tied at one rather than being down two. While the Kings are a bad team on the road, they are very good at home, so if the Oilers can steal one that would do a ton for both teams mentally. Not to forget to mention in order to win this series the Oilers will need to win at least one game in LA, why not make it tonight.