NEWS UPDATE: Lessons Needed From Oilers’ Disappointing 4-0 Loss to Kings
One of two things could be inferred from the Edmonton Oilers’ recent defence pairing changes. The organisation is interested in learning whether particular players can bear additional responsibility or whether blue-line partners have a stronger bond. Alternatively, the team is considering making a deadline trade to acquire a defenseman, but they are worried that doing so might upset the squad by removing a regular from the lineup. greater specifically, one may ponder what would happen if Vincent Desharnais were required to assume greater responsibility in place of Cody Ceci or Brett Kulak leaving the Oilers.
The Oilers have dropped their first three games, even though Ceci’s drop to the third pair hasn’t been viewed as unjust or extremely troubling thus far. That does not bode well. The Oilers, who had just lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, attempted to switch up every defence combination when they faced the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers’ 16-game winning streak was ended with that defeat. It seemed like a good moment to try something new.
However, head coach Kris Knoblauch returned to starting Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm together by the second period of that opening game. The Oilers won that game with a furious comeback. The club decided to give Darnell Nurse and Desharnais more time to see if they would click, so they continued to put them together in the interim.
However, the Oilers’ lacklustre performance in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings raises concerns about the composition of their blue line.
However, head coach Kris Knoblauch returned to starting Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm together by the second period of that inaugural game. With a strong comeback, the Oilers prevailed in that game. In the interim, the club proceeded to pair up Darnell Nurse and Desharnais, deciding to give them more time to see whether they would click.
The Oilers’ dismal play in a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, though, begs questions about the makeup of their blue line.
The actual help comes from Ceci’s relocation and $3.25 million pay. His contract for the upcoming season would also be sent out. Although Kulak costs $2.75 million less than other actors, he has two more seasons committed to him following this one. Moving one of these guys would benefit the Oilers, but only if it wouldn’t worsen their chances of winning by wearing down their already weak yet potent blue line.
The organisation won’t benefit from calling up someone like Philip Broberg or making a smaller deadline trade to get a less expensive defenseman if Desharnais can’t play significant minutes. The big man can handle large minutes, that’s what they need to know. It is imperative for the Oilers to ensure that the combination of Desharnais and Nurse does not have an adverse effect on the rest of the roster.
