Oilers Developing a Second Line?

One of the biggest issues surrounding the Edmonton Oilers this season has been the club’s lack of secondary scoring. I’ve touched on it before (here and here) looking for answers, but so far nothing has worked for the Edmonton Oilers. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are producing for the club, no one else has been helping out consistently.

An odd thing happened on Monday night in St. Louis, something that may actually have given the Oilers that second line they so badly need right now. Tyler Pitlick, after scoring a beautiful goal to even things at one in the opening period, suffered what appeared to be a serious lower body injury. After leaving the game, his spot was taken by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who would skate with Patrick Maroon and Draisaitl.

That line was, after being put together, Edmonton’s best line on the evening. Maroon got the goal that eventually sent the game to overtime, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins looked the best he has all season long. The line created chances and nearly won the game for Edmonton in regulation time on multiple occasions.

For the first time in a while, the Oilers appeared to have a secondary line behind the trio that is anchored by franchise star Connor McDavid. That is a terrific sign for Todd McLellan’s bunch and it must continue if this club is to make a serious push towards the NHL’s postseason.

Getting a Shot:

The Oilers were in Arizona on Tuesday to practice ahead of Wednesday game against the Coyotes. While the Lucic-McDavid-Eberle trio remained in tact, the Oilers made a few notable changes from the group that started Monday in St. Louis. Among those changes was that the trio mentioned above remained together.

Maroon and Nugent-Hopkins were patrolling the wings for Draisaitl, who has become Edmonton’s second best forward and is starting to push the game on his own.

Leon’s season has surprised a lot of people, and as of late he has stepped up as Edmonton’s second most consistent player. His ability, both at even strength and on the powerplay, has helped the Oilers stay afloat and navigate a very tough stretch through the early parts of this season.

The most telling thing about Leon’s game? It’s not his impressive 30 points in 34 games or the fact that he’s in the top 20 in NHL scoring, it’s the fact that he’s making players around him better. That, to me, is the tell of a great hockey player, which is what Leon is becoming right now.

Getting a chance with Patrick Maroon and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could deliver exactly what the Oilers need. Both Maroon and Leon are big players who can control the puck and separate opponents from the puck, while RNH is still a very skilled two-way center who appears snake bitten. Giving Nuge two linemates that are producing should only help him.

We saw that in St. Louis during their time together. RNH looked more engaged and was creating more while he was on the wing. He appeared to have more confidence and had more space to make things happen as Draisaitl drew the defenders to him.

It also helps that two of Edmonton’s best players are getting looks against secondary defenders and lesser defensive forwards. It’s a bit of an easier assignment while McDavid does the heavy lifting on the first line.

Best Case Scenario:

Connor McDavid has 40 points on the season and has been producing in his first line role all season long. Not to spoil anything, but Connor is going to continue to produce points while in that spot. The key is for Edmonton to get it’s secondary players going. Eventually, I assume Jordan Eberle will start finding the back of the net with McDavid, but that’s still only one line carrying the offense.

If this trio of Maroon, Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins can start making things happen offensively, then the Oilers are in business. RNH’s track records suggests a much better offensive player than what he’s been this year while Leon has emerged as a legit offensive option who makes players better. I think this could be a great relationship on a line, while Maroon seems to fit in well with whomever he plays with.

The best case scenario for the Oilers? This line produces and all of a sudden teams have to worry about two lines coming over the boards for Edmonton. It would make this team, which already has 100 goals, that much more dangerous.

Personally, I’m very excited to see McLellan give these guys a chance, and I hope it lasts longer than just against the Coyotes.

HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST MS!:

As many of you know, next month our annual charity event will take place as we come together to fight against MS. That said, we are getting a head start this year and auctioning off a great item just in time for the holiday season! Up until the afternoon of December 23rd, you can bid on a Hatchimal! The form to submit your bid, along with the current highest bid, is here!

Thanks to those that bid and to those that will be at the event in January. It truly means a lot to all of us here at The Oilers Rig.