The Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff have once again stirred debate among fans with their decision to go with a 7-defenseman, 11-forward lineup. While this setup is not uncommon in the NHL, the choice to healthy scratch Jeff Skinner, a player tied for fifth on the team in goals—in favor of defenseman Josh Brown is raising eyebrows.
Changes Skinner in goal and Josh Brown in for Derek Ryan. Oilers will go 11-7
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) January 13, 2025
RNH - McDavid - Hyman
Podkolzin - Draisaitl - Arvidsson
Janmark - Henrique - Brown
Perry - - Kapanen
Ekholm - Bouchard
Nurse - Stecher
Kulak - Emberson
J. Brown
Skinner
A Look at the Numbers
Jeff Skinner, 32, has played 40 games this season, registering 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points. While his plus/minus rating of -10 indicates some defensive shortcomings, Skinner has proven to be an offensive contributor. His shooting percentage of 8.1% suggests he’s making the most of his opportunities despite a modest number of shots on goal.
On the other hand, Josh Brown, 31, has appeared in just 5 games this season. He has yet to record a point, and his minimal offensive contributions are reflected in a total of 3 shots on goal. Brown’s role is firmly rooted in his physicality, with 8 blocked shots and 12 hits in his limited ice time. However, his average time on ice (11:42) is slightly lower than Skinner’s (12:36), indicating he isn’t being utilized extensively even when dressed.
The Coaching Rationale
The decision to prioritize Brown over Skinner appears to be a strategic move aimed at shoring up the Oilers’ defensive play. By dressing seven defensemen, the coaching staff may hope to reduce defensive lapses, manage ice time more effectively for the blue line, and provide insurance against injuries.
However, this approach comes with significant trade-offs. The Oilers are effectively reducing their forward depth and benching a player who has consistently contributed to their offensive output. Given Skinner’s scoring ability, scratching him risks losing a potential game-changer in tight contests.
Balancing Defense and Offense
The Oilers’ reliance on high-powered offensive players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl means secondary scoring is critical for success. Skinner’s 7 goals—tied for fifth on the team—highlight his value in this role. The decision to scratch him in favor of Brown raises questions about whether the coaching staff is overcompensating for defensive concerns at the expense of offensive firepower.
While a 7-defenseman lineup can provide defensive stability, the Oilers’ choice to scratch Jeff Skinner, a proven scorer, in favor of Josh Brown is a questionable one. As the team battles for consistency, finding the right balance between defensive security and offensive depth will be critical. For now, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on how these lineup decisions impact the Oilers’ performance moving forward.