This in from Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, news that Connor McDavid is back on the ice and in the lines for the morning skate against the Anaheim Ducks tonight.
Said Spector: “McDavid comes flying out of the tunnel like it’s game time – here at a morning skate in Anaheim.
When Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now asked McDavid if he was playing tonight, the captain said, “Yup.”
Spector reported the lines at the morning skate:
RNH McDavid Hyman
Savoie Draisaitl Roslovic
Podkolzin Henrique Frederic
Mangiapane Lazar Janmark
Ekholm Bouchard
Nurse Walman
Stastney Emberson
Jarry
My take
1. When news came that McDavid was to rejoin the team last night in Anaheim it seemed obvious that he’d be back on the ice today and ready to lead his team against the Anaheim Ducks. After Team Canada lost, McDavid was asked what he’d do now and he essentially said he’d move on as fast as possible to his next challenge. It’s how he’s wired and it’s what he’s doing now.
2. I’m not sure what to make of the lines, other than to note the trade deadline is coming up and things will change fast. For example, how can the Oilers not recall Josh Samanski, who did so well at third line centre in Adam Henrique’s absence? As soon as the cap space is available I expect to see Samanski with the Oilers.
58 games
3. Oilers coach Knoblauch talked at the start of the year about wanting a big, heavy aggressive line. His latest stab at that appears to be Henrique with Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin. Maybe Frederic will pick up on some of Podkolzin’s aggression and drive. Maybe Henrique will be flying after recovering from injury. But this line will make more sense with Samanski at centre, as Samanski is younger, bigger, faster and more aggressive than Henrique.
4. The second line of Leon Draisaitl, Matt Savoie and Jack Roslovic is interesting in that it has plenty of skill on it. It’s got some attacking oomph on it, but the key will be defensive zone coverage and making sure to prevent odd-man rush counterattacks when it’s pressuring in the offensive zone. Savoie will have to do some defensive heavy lifting, staying high in the offensive zone to help prevent counter-attacks.
5. The fourth line? Mangiapane continues to audition for other teams, while Janmark’s game has deteriorated. Both wingers have much to prove, but centre Curtis Lazar has been a positive surprise this year, showing energy and aggression at even strength.
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