Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 2 against the Dallas Stars

Jeff Skinner is back in the lineup

With Connor Brown having skated in Game 1, it looks like the Oilers will be bringing Jeff Skinner back into the playoffs mix. Skinner has not dressed for a game since April 21, which was the Oilers first game of the NHL Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings.

Brown was a game time decision and did end up playing the first game against Dallas. Brown was not on the ice for the Oilers morning skate, so it is looking more likely that he will be out of the lineup with an apparent injury. With Skinner set to take his place, we will see what he can accomplish alongside Evander Kane and Adam Henrique on the third line. I doubt that we will be seeing these three matching up against Dallas’ third line.

Why not keep the defence the same

It looks like no changes will be made to the Oilers defensive lineups. One would hope that the defence will pick it up and play better tonight and if penalties are called against Edmonton, the penalty killers better be able to prevent goals from ending up in the back of their net.

The defenders may end up coming up with a new game plan, that could be more effective for the Oilers in Game 2. We will see what happens, but I hope that more puck battles will be won so that they can break the puck out of their zone smoothly.

Moving forward

The Oilers forward groups seemed to work very well throughout Game 1 and it looked like they were the better team, even when they were matched up against some very strong Dallas offensive players.

If the wingers and centremen can play like they did through 40, Edmonton should be able to take full control of this game and tie the series up at one-a-piece. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl looked very good in Game 1, five points combined, so definitely look for that to continue tonight, especially being down in the series.