Oilers Announce 2 Key Lineup Decisions Ahead of Game 3

The Edmonton Oilers pulled off a thrilling overtime win in Game Two to even their series with the Vancouver Canucks at one game piece. Now, back on Edmonton ice for game three on Sunday, head coach Kris Knoblauch has announced a couple of major roster decisions.

Knoblauch confirms that Draisaitl will play in Game 3, doesn’t commit to him playing full-time at left wing on the McDavid line.

Notes that the Oilers will wait to see how Vancouver deploys their lineup, and adjust from there. #Canucks
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) May 12, 2024

Most importantly, Leon Draisaitl will play in Game Three after being a question mark leading up to Game 2 due to injury. Not only did he play in the 4-3 victory, but he was lined up alongside Connor McDavid much of the game. That part, Knoblauch will not commit to at this point, but nevertheless, the importance of having Draisaitl in the lineup, on any line, is obvious.

One other lineup change that will take place will occur in the bottom-six, where Adam Henrique has been dropped from the lineup card once again, and Connor Brown has drawn back in after playing 7:35 in Game One.

Adam Henrique is ruled out for Game 3. Connor Brown will come into the lineup.

Henrique played 11:38 in Game 2. #Oilers
— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) May 12, 2024

Henrique played 11:38 in Game Two, and was a minus one with no hits or points.

The Oilers did not run lines at Sunday morning's skate, and Draisaitl was not on the ice, confirms Knoblauch, for maintenance.

The defensive pairings remain the same, which means that Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci are still a thing, much to the chagrin of Oilers fans.

Lol.

Nurse-Ceci.

At this point they continue to play them together to see if McDavid can overcome a weak defensive roster.
Was this Ken Holland's plan all along.
— Daniel Ficca (@oilers49er) May 12, 2024