The Edmonton Oilers look to take a 2–0 series lead over the Anaheim Ducks tonight, taking full advantage of their home-ice advantage.
While one would usually expect the lineup to remain the same after a win, at least one injury forced a lineup shuffle, with another one potentially looming.
Edmonton Oilers projected lineup for Game 1 of Round 1
Two players from Monday night’s win were absent from today’s morning skate. An in-game injury to Adam Henrique, and head coach Kris Knoblauch ruled him out for game 2 yesterday morning. So seeing him out and Josh Samanski taking his spot on the fourth line is no surprise.
The other player missing is Jason Dickinson, which comes as a surprise. Dickinson will be a game-time decision, but if he is not ready to go, then Curtis Lazar will slot in and play his first playoff game since 2023.
Jason Dickinson is a big loss for the Oilers if he cannot play
Dickinson was instrumental in the Oilers’ game one victory. He scored the opening goal of the game on a beautiful breakaway, and then tied things back up in the third period, earning him first-star honours.
Losing him would be a huge blow, and not just because of that scoring. Dickinson led the team in penalty kill time (tied with Connor Murphy) and is a key part of a third line that takes some of the even-strength load off of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Lazar has played well for the Oilers this year, but he is certainly a downgrade from Dickinson, especially in that third-line slot. The fact that he is practicing there rather than the fourth line gives a little hope that Dickinson will be ready to suit up tonight.
Are you happy with the changes made in light of the two injuries? Let us know in the comments below!
