Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch talks about decision to put Zach Hyman on third line

The Edmonton Oilers are looking to get back at the Anaheim Ducks Friday night as they roll into Rogers Place.

It was last Sunday that Anaheim got the best of the Oilers, mounting a comeback from a 3-1 deficit to pull the rug out from underneath a flat Edmonton team that wasn’t at their best coming out of the Christmas break.

And if there’s one thing we’ve seen over the years, it’s that the Oilers know how to respond in these types of situations. It will surely be a motivated team off the jump, but it’s one that’s going to have a bit of a different look.

The coaching staff mixed up the team’s lines once again, this time dropping Zach Hyman down to the third line, where he will play opposite Kasperi Kapanen with Mattias Janmark sliding into the centre-ice spot.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch talked about the decision Friday morning.

“I think all three of them have been playing well,” he said of the trio. “Janmark’s overall game is exceptional (across) 200-feet. The one thing that may be missing is the goal scoring, but everything else, points per 60, five-on-five, he’s among our best on our team.

“He’s done everything defensively, he skates well — especially right now — he’s good at protecting the puck, tremendous defensively. Now you add a goal scorer on that line with Hyman, we’ll see how it goes. Kapanen, since he’s been here, we’ve been happy with his game. We’ll see what those three can do.”

Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor doesn’t think the line combinations will stick all too long during the game, but it’s an interesting look, to say the least. It’s fair to think that, especially given Janmark’s struggles in the faceoff dot. He’s taken 40 draws this season winning just 17 of them for a 42.5 percent win rate, and over his career, he’s only won 39 percent of the 801 faceoffs taken.

Nonetheless, it’s an interesting look, and changing up lines in general is something Knoblauch said isn’t an easy task.

“I don’t think we have enough time to discuss everything that’s going on in my head when I’m matching up lines,” Knoblauch said with a smile. “I think it’s important the coach understands who your best players are and who’s contributing, but then also who’s playing well and who’s going to compliment another player.

“You make lot of line decisions throughout a game and throughout a season. It’s good to switch things up sometimes but I also know it’s important players are familiar with each other, and know what their linemates are going to do. Is he good on the wall? Does he like chipping the puck out? Is he going to find the centreman underneath with speed?

“Those little details are important that players understand who they are on the ice with. Every player has different skill set, so we’re just trying to have players familiar with each other, but also things need to change because players are playing really well and need to be rewarded. Those are some of the things that go on making the lineup changes.”