Oilers New Lines Reveal Big Problems

EDMONTON -- If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Despite being in a playoff position, the Edmonton Oilers have some roster issues that need fixing. Head coach Kris Knoblauch also seems to think so, as his line combination tinkering would suggest.

The new line combinations are a bandaid solution to bigger problems. Particularly, problems revolving around bottom-six centers, top-six wingers, and depth scoring.

Third Line & Fourth Line Centers

The Oilers seem adamant about making Adam Henrique a shut-down center. Yesterday, Knoblauch spoke about his ability to prevent goals from being scored against the Oilers when he's on the ice, even if there isn't as much offense being generated.

Additionally, we have seen Mattias Janmark take more reps at center. This has caused Derek Ryan to be the extra forward. While it's not bad to have Ryan be in that role, the Oilers have an option in the AHL in Noah Philp who could be the team's fourth-line center instead of Janmark.

Top Six Winger

Everybody knows that the Oilers have a Jeff Skinner problem. Unfortunately, things are at a stalemate.

Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Vasily Podkolzin are the Oilers current top-six wingers. While this isn't bad, it's not great either.

Podkolzin has five assists in his last 10 games while Arvidsson has four points in his six games since returning from injury. Arvidsson makes sense beside Leon Draisaitl, Podkolzin should have to earn his top six deployment again.

Brown has earned his promotion with 10 points in his last 10 games while Nugent-Hopkins is starting to pick things up again with two goals in his last three games.

Skinner could replace Podkolzin on the second line, which would be a better fit for his skill set. Podkolzin has the energy and grittiness to play effectively in the bottom-six.

Depth Scoring

Knoblauch's main reason for bumping Hyman to the third line was to spread out the offense. He even mentioned that Hyman would eventually find his way back on the top line.

The results of putting Hyman in the bottom-six are strange, especially considering Skinner being on the fourth line. Something needs to give.

It's clear that there are a few issues in the bottom-six portion of the Oilers roster. The solution is probably a combination of more changes, a recall (or two), and getting a 40-goal scorer out of the doghouse.

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