Oilers Shaking Things Up

When something isn't broken they say you shouldn't fix it. And that is exactly why the league 1st place Oilers decided to make a major move. The thinking among management is that the 1st place has been somewhat of a fluke. Not to take anything away from the ever-present brick wallness of Juuse Saros, the team in front of him lacks any real star power. This has always been a main driver in the reasoning behind last year's early playoff exit. When push came to shove, the Oilers could not score the series winning goal.

Scoring and special teams has certainly improved this season. The team is 2nd in the league in goals scored, and tied for 4th in goals against. These are great stats, but playoffs is a different beast, and where teams ramp up their defensive schemes. This is where JT Miller comes in the rest of the way. Miller brings something no other Oiler does - game breaking ability in any situation. Projected to join the top line along side Evander Kane and soon to be healthy Jordan Kyrou, Miller should help challenge the Penguins for the league best offense, and hopefully improve the slighly impotent 20% power play.

Another key addition of the deal was Adam Pelech. A seasoned 8 year veteran, Pelech brings added stability to the D core and should ideally help partner Shea Theodore put more points on the board. Sources close to the team indicate Pelech hopes to resign with the club at the end of his deal. The D stats should improve across the board, but Oilers may still be in the market for another top 4 guy before the deadline bell rings. 

Finally, the mid season rerates are bringing some added help as all three of Chandler Stephenson, Carter Verhaeghe, and Matt Benning are completing a 2 months training regiment that may or may not have included performance enhancing substances. Stephenson learned how to pass better and should continue to drive the 2nd line. Verhaeghe did many shooting drills and increased his scoring ability, something that should make the 3rd line even deadlier. Finally, Benning decided he's had enough of riding the pine, and should bring more than just cheers from the bench the rest of the season.

One key change in the lineup is the of "demotion" of current team leader in points Tomas Hertl. Tomas is certainly not happy about the change, but was sat down and explained that he will be counted on to drive the 3rd line's offense, and be a key penalty killer for the team the rest of the way. The Oilers are proud to be one of the most disciplined teams in the league, but realize it's never a bad idea to improve special teams. Hertl initially took the news hard, but later said that he doesn't mind playing less minutes, against lesser competition, and still get paid 8 million dollars. The new projected lineup:

Kane - Miller - Kyrou
Perron - Stephenson - Verhaeghe
Killorn - Hertl - Dadonov
Carrick - Eakin - Simmonds

Theodore - Pelech
Holl - Roy
Whitecloud - Dillon/Benning

Saros/Vejmelka