This in from the Edmonton Oilers, news that veteran centre Adam Henrique is out for at least the next game.But who will take his place, Curtis Lazar or Josh Samanski.
Said Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch: “He will be unavailable tomorrow and we’re not sure how long, but he will not be available.”
Knoblauch said it was tough to sit Josh Samanski or Curtis Lazar from the line-up based on their late season play.
We’ve got some guys who are very capable to get back in that lineup and contribute. Not only are they good players but they were playing really good at the end of the season so we’ve got good options.”
Samanaski adds more speed to the lineup, Lazar more aggression and physicality, plus he’s got more option for right-side faceoffs, Knoblauch said. “Those two guys are great options and it’s nice to have good players at your disposal.”
The coach also mentioned that Samanski has been part of the Oilers’ PK.
Knoblauch said that the expected goals in the game (based on shot quality) were equal in the game. At the Cult of Hockey, however, our video review had the Ducks with a distinct advantage, 18 to 14 on Grade A shots (go in 20% plus on average), and ten to six on the subset of more dangerous five-alarm shots (go in 30%-plus on average)
Oilers PK final
My take
1. The Samanski line with Colton Dach and Trent Frederic played together 40:19 in the regular season, with three goals for, just one against.
But there’s no doubt that Henrique will be missed, mainly on the penalty kill, where he was one of Edmonton’s best forward on the penalty kill this season, and formed a strong tandem with Matt Savoie.
2. Lazar played better for the Oilers on the wing than he did at centre. Samanski is a considerably better defender than Lazar at centre, and he’s much better on the PK as well. That should make the decision easy if Knoblauch is picking between them at centre. As a winger, though, Lazar may be the better bet over Samanski, as Lazar is ferocious on the forecheck.
82 Grade A
At the Cult of Hockey
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