It’s no secret that the Edmonton Oilers are led by their top guys, which is the case for most teams. When the Oilers are winning, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are difference makers. But with Draisaitl injured, other players are forced to step up and take on a bigger role.
With that comes an opportunity for the depth players to see more ice time and prove their worth. As we’ve observed in the playoffs, the top players have their limitations. The big guns eventually exhausted themselves after leading the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. They didn’t get consistent depth scoring, putting pressure on the top six to produce. That took a toll, and if Edmonton hopes to have another deep playoff run, they need everybody to buy in and make meaningful contributions.
Related: Oilers’ Max Jones Is Having a Quiet Impact This Season
The Oilers are currently on a season-long five-game winning streak, and the bottom six is a big reason why. They have found a role and are being rewarded on the scoresheet. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has started the bottom six in more games of late, and as a result, they’ve gotten off to solid starts. Knoblauch is starting to trust them more, and that’s paying off. The bottom six have played with energy and set the tempo for the rest of the team. The depth players are consistently putting in quality effort, which is contagious and positively impacts the rest of the team.
They are playing well, but unfortunately, there aren’t enough available spots in the lineup. Therefore, there will be undeserved healthy scratches. Healthy competition is positive, and it keeps the group motivated. If someone starts scuffling, they have someone in the press box who can step up and take their place. That is a wonderful thing as we approach the playoffs. The Oilers have players who can provide quality minutes when called upon, despite not playing every game.
Tough Decisions Must Be Made
Internal competition for roster spots necessitates tough decisions. The bottom six have been productive, so who comes out of the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs?
The biggest surprise has been the emergence of Max Jones. Jones was supposed to be on the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL), but injuries forced him into the lineup, and he’s making the most of his opportunity. He has scored some big goals and provides energy every shift. He plays a simple style, which includes physicality and a strong forecheck. He has been impactful in his limited minutes and is the perfect fourth liner. The 28-year-old is making a strong case to start the playoffs.
Then, there are Curtis Lazar and Josh Samanski, who are seemingly battling for the fourth-line centre position. Knoblauch was asked if Samanski would be a tough player to consider taking out of the lineup and if he’s making a case for himself. “He is. The faceoffs, the 5-on-5 play, and some penalty kill time. He’s been solid and is doing everything we ask,” Knoblauch stated. Samanski plays mistake-free hockey and has been excellent defensively.
Knoblauch continued by saying, “We’ve got some difficult decisions. We took out Lazar, which wasn’t easy because he had a really solid game. We have good players, which is a good thing to have.” Unfortunately, Lazar was the odd man out during their last game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He has had an underrated season and is the perfect depth forward. He can seamlessly integrate into the lineup at any moment, without missing a beat.
Finally, there’s Adam Henrique. He has had a challenging season, but he’s playing much better lately. He snapped a 51-game goalless drought last game and has gotten a few good looks lately. He also continues to be a major contributor on the penalty kill. He’s a veteran player, and he should get the benefit of the doubt. But if he starts struggling again, Knoblauch shouldn’t hesitate to replace him. They have options, so his spot shouldn’t be guaranteed.
Oilers Are Getting Healthier
As the Oilers get healthier, that’s creating a logjam in the forward group. Trent Frederic returned in the last game after a two-week absence, and Colton Dach is close to returning. Frederic’s play had improved before his injury, and the organization has committed to him after inking the 28-year-old to an eight-year contract extension. Dach has also been sidelined since March 10. However, with how the bottom six are playing, it will be difficult for him to crack the lineup because nobody deserves to be taken out right now.
The most significant injury is Draisaitl’s, and he should inevitably return for the playoffs, meaning that someone else must be removed from the lineup. The Oilers could have 14 or 15 players that Knoblauch should feel comfortable utilizing, and that depth is crucial.
Who should crack the night one playoff roster? Keep following The Hockey Writers for all your NHL content throughout the season.
