The Edmonton Oilers have secured their respective bottom-6 lineup, and the returning players from last year's squad will lead the team. The late season additions like Corey Perry and Adam Henrique are returning. Mainly, players who have been with the team for at least two or more years know the club's ins and outs.
The Bottom-six lineup of the Edmonton Oilers
The starting lineup for the bottom six is set, with Henrique leading the way in the lineup. His gameplay will be at the forefront of the charge to defend and manifest irritating ways to get under the skin of opposing teams.
Perry, who will play on the fourth line and give the bottom six the support to keep the scenario in the Oilers team's favor at any time during the games. His presence will be to get the checks in the game and create opportunities in the offensive zone on a tight forecheck to frustrate the opposing team's goaltender.
Both players are leaders who will provide ample minutes in games and give the team the added grit to play the game in a take-charge manner. Both are natural goal scores and possess the ability to be physical at their will. Know how to score goals on time and have that type of presence on-ice; other teams cannot afford to take chances and play extra hard on the same shifts.
Shaping up the bottom-six of the Oilers roster
This team also has Mattias Janmark and Connor Brown on the team's third line and will be that added support to Henrique, whose job will be to bring out the best in the two players, guide them to find their way around the ice, and have the plus statistic work in their favor.
The fourth line will consist of Derek Ryan playing center, Vasily Podkolzin as left wing, and Perry as the right winger in the lineup. Podkolzin will be learning from Perry and Ryan, who are newcomers to the team.
His gameplay will consist of more of a get the puck to the other two linemates during the forecheck and get open looks at the net, because of his speed and young age to polish him off as a depth piece for the team would be ideal.
The bottom six lineup has a knowledgeable approach to the game, and the Edmonton Oilers team provides the fans with the experience to be the backbone of the team and give the fans another reason to cheer on the team.
Assessing the gameplay for the bottom-six lineup of the Oilers squad
The gameplay will be complex; however, finding ways to create turnovers and switching it up with the top two lines will be one to watch. When behind in games, the bottom-six lineup may be utilized more to create chances in front of the net with an aggressive approach as opposed to the finesse of the top 6.
It will be present in the game when leading, defending the zone critically, and killing chances of a potential comeback. Moving the puck along the ice and having that pesky presence in the offensive zone and create chances to score.
Take charge of the fight scene, showing their toughness and finishing off checks. Blocking shots will be another critical aspect to watch as the team had drastically improved on that stat last year, including post-season.
It keeps the Corsi stat in mind and delivers top-notch defense to the team, including the turnover stat that leads to goals. Not to mention the flow of the game in general, as they will be the ones to dictate the game's pace, then pass it on to the top two lines, who will find ways to score.
The gameplay will be stellar to watch and give fans an aggressive look at the team's core, keeping the spirit of competition alive in the City of Edmonton. More importantly, The Edmonton Oilers fans.