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GD7: Oilers @ Jets: Top Line Jesse |
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Tonight we get one step closer to Dave Tippett running the optimal lineup for the Edmonton Oilers as it looks like Jesse Puljujarvi will get a look on the Oilers top line alongside Connor McDavid and RNH. Through the early games of the season Puljujarvi has been engaged, firing shots on goal but hasn't posted a goal himself. Turris has not helped to drive play all so at least part of the blame falls there.
The xGF% and CF% have looked favorable based on the small sample size of JP on the top line for a shift or two through these early games. Fans should be excited to see what Puljujarvi can do with a full game next to these guys.
Unfortunately despite nearly single handedly costing Edmonton points against the Leafs, Adam Larsson will play tonight. Tippett is quick to bench his rookies but gives a long leash to his vets. Hopefully Larsson uses this opportunity to play a good game but I wouldn't hold my breath. Larsson has struggled all season, especially against top competition. Bouchard won't be a guy to step in and take on a shutdown role but his puck moving and passing would add an element that this group simply doesn't have enough of.
Tonight Edmonton will hope that these line combinations will prove successful against a Jets team that is missing Laine (trade) and one that is starting Brossoit instead of Hellebuyck.
OILERS LINE COMBINATIONS
RNH-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Kahun-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Ennis-Turris-Kassian
Neal-Shore-Archibald
Nurse-Bear
Koekkoek-Larsson
Russell-Barrie
Koskinen
JETS LINE COMBINATIONS
Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Copp-Stastny-Ehlers
Harkins-Lowry-Appleton
Perrault-Thompson-Lewis
Heinola-Morrissey
Forbort-Pionk
Stanley-Beaulieu
Brossoit
4 THINGS TO WATCH
1.) JP: Puljujarvi is getting the thing that he never really received his previous time in Edmonton; a spot on the top line. Its now up to Jesse to make the most of the chance and produce. I don't think JP needs to score tonight to stay but at the least he needs to help generate chances.
2.) Waiting For Help: Laine has been traded for Dubois but the centre won't be joining the team for a bit, giving Edmonton one less threat to worry about. Edmonton wasn't able to take advantage of this fact in Toronto; they need to find a way tonight.
3.) Back to Basics Soecial Teams: The Oilers did not play a bad game against Toronto in the loss but their special teams were horrific, allowing a goal on the PK and failing to capitalize on their own powerplays. Right now it feels like the players are trying to force chances which is just not working. Edmonton needs to get back to basics and the amount of skill that is there will eventually get thr job done.
4.) Backup on the Back to Back: Last night the Jets opted to run Hellebuyck against the Sens so Brossoit should get the start tonight. Edmonton needs to push play early against a more tired team and and make the Jets pay for icing their backup instead of starter.
THE OILERS WIN IF...
They can pressure the Jets all night and take advantage specifically in the third period when the Jets will be gassed.
THE JETS WIN IF...
Their top six can keep the JP and McDavid duo from connecting and continue to pressure the Oilers weak bottom six.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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