Oilers Consider Changing Defensive List Ahead of Game 4 vs. Stars – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch says he is considering a change to his defensive lineup for Game 4. He didn’t drop names, but rumors are swirling that Philip Broberg could be on the lineup for Game 4 against Dallas. The stars.
The Oilers have dealt with six defensemen in all 15 of their playoff games. On Monday night, as the team struggled mightily in the second half of Game 3, Knoblauch reverted to a pairing with Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, which proved disastrous in terms of scouting. After losing that game and being down 2-1 in the series, it might be time for a tough move.
Who Gets Out of the Program?
Darnell Nurse is taking a ton of heat on Tuesday after a rough performance in Game 3. In fact, Nurse has struggled to make or break the playoffs this season, posting a -12 plus/minus record. Knoblauch said he takes the plus/minus with a grain of salt but also noted that Nurse could play better. He gets dunked on defense at times, and it seems to get worse when he’s on the ice with Cody Ceci.
It would be one thing if the Nurse had a game or two. But, as a $9.5 million defenseman, there is talk about sending a clear message that he is being paid to be better. Can the Oilers justify releasing a player who eats up so many minutes and makes so much money?
Speaking of Ceci, she was also unfaithful. There are times when he’s good, and others when it’s hard to argue using him as the sixth defenseman in the lineup. Ceci has had his moments offensively, but on the defensive side, the Oilers need more from him.
Another option would be an 11-7 run, which seems unlikely considering the Oilers are already pushing so hard.
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It’s not clear if Broberg will be the answer to the Oilers’ offensive problems or play consistent hockey over 60 minutes. But, one thing Edmonton probably won’t struggle to find in his game is motivation. This is a player who may get his first shot at playoff hockey on Wednesday and his mindset may be to play so well that the Oilers will need to be hesitant to take him out.
Knoblauch confirmed that Stuart Skinner will return in net for Game 4, but did not confirm whether Ryan McLeod will be included back in the lineup.
