It’s finally the first playoff game day of 2026 for the Edmonton Oilers, the final series to get started this year.
As it was just an optional skate this morning, the projected lineup to start the series with the Anaheim Ducks is a best guess, with yesterday’s practice lines being the most likely lineup.
Edmonton Oilers projected lineup for Game 1 of Round 1
There has been a lot of speculation about the first game lineup, given the unknown injury status of Leon Draisaitl and Jason Dickinson. Both practiced yesterday in the regular rotation, which gives hope that they are both ready for game one. However, head coach Kris Knoblauch has not confirmed that either of them will play.
Changes from the last regular season game
If Draisaitl and Dickinson are back in the lineup, then two players who played down the stretch have to come out. Josh Samanski and Curtis Lazar are the unlikely two who draw the short straw for game one.
The Josh Samanski scratch is the only controversial change to the lineup. Samanski looked good to close out the season, especially on a line with Colton Dach and Trent Frederic.
Knoblauch is erring on the side of veteran experience, choosing Henrique over Samanski. It is understandable to pick the guy who played a role in taking the team back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, and he has looked better down the last stretch of the regular season. Plus, there is always the “player wanting to stick it to his former team” factor.
That being said, Samanski is a fan favourite, and a youthful injection can be a big boon to a team (see: Klim Kostin in 2023).
What lineup changes would you have made to fit Draisaitl and Dickinson in? Let us know in the comments below!
