The Edmonton Oilers are up 3-1 in the Western Conference Final and will be able to close out the series tonight with a win over the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. The team will feature some new looks, as veterans shuffle in and out of the lineup.
Up front, Jeff Skinner looks to be drawing back into the lineup in Zach Hyman’s absence. The 33-year-old forward played the only playoff game of his career on the opening night of the first round against the Los Angeles Kings, where he registered one assist and a -2 in 11:12 of ice time. He will play on a line with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic this evening.
As a result of Skinner’s addition, Corey Perry moves up to play beside Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane slots in on Leon Draisaitl’s left wing, and the Podkolzin-Janmark-Arvidsson trio have been reunited. In the absence of established chemistry, look for the Oilers to play a simple, hard-nosed game up front.
The @EdmontonOilers morning skate:
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) May 29, 2025
RNH-McDavid-Perry
Kane-Draisaitl-Kapanen
J. Skinner-Henrique-Frederic
Podkolzin-Janmark-Arvidsson
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Kulak
Walman-Klingberg
Skinner
On the back end, Mattias Ekholm will make his playoff debut after being sidelined since April 11 with an undisclosed injury. This is welcome news, as the defenceman was initially ruled as questionable to return to the playoffs. He skated in practice alongside his long-time partner Evan Bouchard, while Brett Kulak moved to his off-side beside Darnell Nurse. Troy Stecher looks to be the odd man out.
A victory tonight would have Edmonton advance to their second straight Stanley Cup Final and a rematch against the Florida Panthers. Let’s Go Oilers!
One Comment