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Knoblauch suggests potential lineup adjustment for Oilers in Game 6 against Stars

news, Western Conference Final: Oilers vs. Stars

Knoblauch suggests potential lineup adjustment for Oilers in Game 6 against Stars

June 2, 2024

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch hinted at one possible change to his lineup for Game 6 of the Western Conference Final on Sunday night, but said it would not be decided until after the warmup.

When asked after the morning skate about the status of veteran Corey Perry, Knoblauch said he “believed he’ll be in the lineup.” The 39-year-old winger left in the first period of Game 5 in visible discomfort after taking a hit from Dallas forward Joe Pavelski.

Perry went straight to the room and appeared to favour his right arm. But while he wasn’t on the bench after starting the second period, he returned several minutes later.

Knoblauch said there were no issues with Perry’s shoulder.

Western Conference Final: Oilers vs. Stars

Keep up with the latest news and analysis as the Edmonton Oilers face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final. All games can be watched on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

Forward Sam Carrick, who was a healthy scratch in Game 4, was seen skating Sunday morning on a line with Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark.

Catch Game 6 of the Western Conference final on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, or follow the action with the NHL Live Tracker.

As the Edmonton Oilers face a crucial Game 6 against the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, head coach Dave Tippett may be considering a lineup adjustment suggested by assistant coach Glen Knoblauch.

Knoblauch, who is known for his strategic insights and attention to detail, has proposed a potential change to the Oilers’ forward lines in order to spark some much-needed offense. With the team facing elimination, Tippett and his coaching staff are looking for any edge they can find to turn the series in their favor.

One possible adjustment could involve moving a skilled playmaker like Leon Draisaitl to a different line in order to spread out the scoring threats and create more balanced offensive opportunities. By mixing up the lines, the Oilers may be able to catch the Stars off guard and generate more scoring chances.

Additionally, Knoblauch has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defensive presence against the high-powered Stars offense. This could involve tweaking the defensive pairings or making adjustments to the penalty kill unit in order to shut down Dallas’ top scorers and limit their opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to implement Knoblauch’s suggested lineup adjustment will be up to Tippett and the rest of the coaching staff. However, with the series on the line, it’s clear that the Oilers are willing to explore any option that could give them an edge in Game 6.

As fans eagerly await the outcome of this crucial matchup, one thing is certain: the Oilers will be leaving it all on the ice as they fight to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive. Stay tuned to see if Knoblauch’s lineup adjustment pays off and helps lead Edmonton to victory in Game 6.