Through the Edmonton Oilers’ 16-game winning streak there was little, if anything to be overly critical about. Coach Kris Knoblauch was comfortable to keep the lineup as intact as possible throughout, but coming out of the All-Star break the streak was snapped in a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Though it might be disappointing that the Oilers weren’t able to equal or set the NHL’s longest winning streak, the team has bigger goals.
The streak did wonders for undoing the Oilers early season struggles, vaulting them into a divisional playoff spot, and proved that the contending form that was expected of them is reality. Losing two of the following three games is hardly ideal, especially against division rivals in the Los Angeles Kings and Golden Knights, but should not be too much cause for panic in a vacuum. It does however serve as a reminder to keep the pedal to the floor, that any success is fleeting, and that a championship level of play is earned on a night-to-night basis.
With that the Oilers move forward, looking to continue forging a new and stronger team identity en route to the playoffs. Part of this process involves some lineup shuffling, allowing the coaching staff and front office to take stock of the group ahead of the trade deadline.
Blueline shuffle
The most drastic change might be the recent juggling of the defence pairings, separating the big three of Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, and Darnell Nurse across three different pairings. In theory this gives the group a much deeper look, one where all three pairings can be trusted. Of course, situationally the bench might be shortened, but tactically this does resemble last season’s Stanley Cup winning Golden Knights deployment.
While this likely will not be permanent, it does provide the Oilers a chance to evaluate their blueline, as well as building some chemistry should lineup changes be necessary in the future. Nurse is paired with Vincent Desharnais, having a fantastic season that is worthy of a look in an increased role. While much of the recent focus on supporting Nurse has revolved around defending rushing attacks, Desharnais gives a boost to in-zone defending. The pair seem to have complementary skill sets, and have done well in their brief time together in the past, but there is no guarantee that Desharnais is ready for the increased role.
It is curious to split up the Ekholm-Bouchard pairing given their outstanding results together, but it is worthwhile to explore other options, especially with the trade deadline less than a month away. Perhaps Ekholm can elevate Cody Ceci, who has been the focus of many across Oil Country as a player worth upgrading. In a sense it allows Bouchard to prove that he can carry a pairing without an elite and optimal partner as well, though Brett Kulak does seem stylistic fit.
At the very least Kulak and Ceci have been better as a pairing than they had been in their previous, and brief, stints together. It does provide the team with options to try to maximize their top four, and moreover could be a very respectable third pairing in their own right if they can find some chemistry. The blueline isn’t perfect, but it’s a clear strength for the Oilers.
Where to slot in Perry?
Unable to find his way into the lineup during the winning streak, the Oilers most recent addition Corey Perry got an audition in an elevated role alongside Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl. The trio was instrumental in a tight win against the Anaheim Ducks, instant dividends. The opportunity and the results are both surprising, as Perry has spent most of the past five seasons on fourth lines for a number of teams across the league.
In a small sample size it can be tough to gauge, evidenced by the Oilers loss to the Los Angeles Kings immediately following the line’s standout performance against the Ducks. Most likely we will see Perry unable to live up to such a lofty role, but for now the line of Draisaitl, Kane, and Perry has been effective. A rose between two thorns, perhaps?
Holloway’s return to action
Dylan Holloway has returned from injury and the AHL, playing on a line with the effective duo of Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele, both of whom are playing the best hockey of their careers. It is a cozy landing spot for Holloway, who seems ready to be a force on the checking line. With his size, speed, and a touch of offensive flair as a shooter Holloway might be able to elevate his linemates if he comes into his own as an NHLer.
We have seen glimpses of Holloway’s potential, and he has seemed very close to making the jump in the past. While injuries have been a factor in stalling his development, Holloway is still gaining confidence to apply his skills at the NHL level. The step forward that the Oilers will hope to see before the trade deadline is Holloway beginning to do so.
Naturally, on the checking line, this will have a lot to do with Holloway applying himself defensively, skating hard on the forecheck and backcheck, using his size and stick skills to win pucks, using his vision to kick pucks off the wall and into dangerous areas, and most of all finding and taking good shooting opportunities. It might still be too early to weigh the projections for Holloway’s season, let alone career, but for now fans shouldn’t be expecting top-six level offence.
Instead, Holloway can be a physical force on a strong checking line, using his tools to help the Oilers control play. This spot on the third line is somewhat ideal while Holloway looks to prove himself, but there is a non-zero chance that Holloway gets a shot higher up the lineup before the season is done with some strong play.
A look ahead
The Oilers still have enough assets to make a move, with their first two draft picks, some notable young assets, as well as some potential salary counterbalances built in. The team seems to have adequate depth at most positions, though perhaps a depth option at right defence or centre is plausible. A top-six forward is certainly part of speculation surrounding the team, as is an outright upgrade at right defence. The Oilers will have to diagnose and allocate their resources as best they can.
It is true that the Oilers enjoyed a relatively easy schedule through their winning streak, so the team will have to get back to their winning ways against stronger opponents going forward. The Oilers are certainly capable of winning any given game, and will have chances to avenge recent losses against potential playoff adversaries, playing against the Kings twice and the Knights once down the stretch of the regular season.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
