Predicting the Edmonton Oilers’ lines under Mike Babcock

Much of the focus leading up to the Edmonton Oilers hiring of Mike Babcock has been about his comportment off of the ice. His reputation has taken many shots, as several former players have been happy to endorse their own testimonies. Naturally there are a lot of questions that can be drawn from here.

Regardless, the show rolls on. The Oilers have an important offseason of work before them. The Oilers are hoping for some key on ice changes from Babcock.

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from the Oilers lineup under Babcock.

Forward line combinations

In general, Babcock is known for tactical defensive team play. For an Oilers team that is searching for an identity beyond Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the top-six, this would be a positive. Babcock is known for his affinity towards certain role players. While many of these players might ultimately be limited in icetime, occasionally Babcock will have one even higher up the lineup.

A poignant example is Zach Hyman, once an older and unproven rookie that Babcock played alongside Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner. Babcock might not have foreseen a 50-goal season from Hyman, but clearly was drawn to his determined efforts. Citing the need for stars to have linemates to do the dirty work, to get pucks back, Babcock is very intentional about having set roles, or a blend of skills on any given line.

This does mean that some players will be pushed up the lineup. It also means that others will be pushed down. To say nothing of the off ice portion that has many concerned, Babcock will put his spin on the lineup. He will prioritize play style and linemate fit over individual production or draft pedigree.

This might be good news for penalty killers and checkers, like Jason Dickinson, Josh Samanski, or Mattias Janmark. Energy players might get chances as well, like Colton Dach or even Connor Clattenburg. Further up the lineup, it should be good news for Hyman and Vasily Podkolzin. It will be unexpected, as Babcock will have his own ideas across the depth chart.

Either way, Babcock will prioritize fashioning a checking line or two, which can make it tough for younger players to get chances higher up the lineup. Chances are there will be new additions to factor in as well. Regardless, the lines will likely be more consistent than Oiler fans are used to. As the balance of skillsets is crucial, Babcock will be eager to find a reliable setup.

Creating a stronger second period

Babcock has spoken about his belief that good teams are able to dominate in the second period. While this does eliminate slow starts or late game score effects from the dataset, the long change might also factor in. Teams with control of possession will force a stamina advantage to a greater degree in the second period. The long change punishes a lack of control, which spirals into fatigue and mistakes.

Babcock is known for his stifling defensive style, despite often having skilled players at his disposal. There is a level of detail, and a requirement to outwork the opposition. Situational hockey will be prioritized, face-off experts, penalty killers, and shot blockers.

Figuring out the defensive pairings

Babcock is a firm believer in having defenders on their strong sides. Handedness will be a huge factor in deciding the defensive pairings. Again, play style and fit will be crucial as well.

The Oilers defence pairings were fairly settled last season, and did try to keep defenders on their strong sides. Instead, the bigger lineup changes might stem from personnel changes. The elephant in the room is Darnell Nurse, who is expected to be moved.