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Holloway Must Stay In The Lineup |
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Last night the Edmonton Oilers absolutely dominated the Vegas Golden Knights. High Danger Chances were 12-9 in favor of the Oilers and Edmonton outshot the Golden Knights 21-16 at 5 on 5 and 25-18 in all situations.
One of the best players for the Oilers last night was Dylan Holloway. In my game day blog I stated that Holloway needed to do something big to get noticed and make a case that he belongs on the opening night roster for the playoffs. Holloway finished the night with a goal, two shots on net, 3 hits, and played almost 13 minutes. In the defensive end, in transition, and in the offensive end the speedy winger was noticeable in a positive way.
Looking around the NHL at teams like the Stars, Golden Knights, Avalanche, Hurricanes, Panthers, Leafs, Lightning, and the Canucks. There is a ton of speed on these rosters from top to bottom. I single out the LA Kings as not one of these teams because while they do have a ton of skill, their style of play is far more stifling and designed to restrict this type of play.
The Oilers have faced the Kings twice in the opening round in the last two years and could still do so this season. Edmonton I think is so used to playing against this type of opponent that they forget that high end skill and speed are still crucial elements to a team.
Right now Holloway is playing because McDavid is out but once the captain returns, Knoblauch needs to find a way to keep Holloway in the lineup.
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Here are a few lineups that I could see working
OPTION 1: THE EASY CHOICE
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Henrique-Draisaitl-Foegele
Kane-McLeod-Perry
Holloway-Ryan(Carrick)-Brown
This is the most likely, albeit the most boring option. The only thing Janmark really brings to this team is his PK skills and with the likes of RNH, Brown, Ryan, Henrique, Foegele, and McLeod all on the roster, there is plenty of PK options to go around.
I don't love Holloway being limited on a fourth line but Brown has started to play with some pace and is finding the back of the net and it would give the Oilers fourth line a strong skill element that we haven't seen much of this season.
OPTION 2: MCLEOD AND HOLLOWAY
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Kane-Draisaitl-Henrique
Holloway-McLeod-Perry
Foegele-Ryan(Carrick)-Brown
Holloway seems to mesh really well with McLeod and Perry and that gives the line a strong mix of speed, skill, physicality, and a veteran presence. Kane would be bumped into the top six and Henrique can play the off-wing fine. That bumps Foegele down to the fourth line but that is a very defensive and responsible line that still could put a few pucks in the net.
OPTION 3: TOP SIX HOLLOWAY
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Holloway-Henrique-Draisaitl
Kane-McLeod-Perry
Foegele-Ryan(Carrick)-Brown
The top line works. That third line with Kane, McLeod, and Perry works. The second line has not found one combination this season that has dominated. There have been stretches of success with the likes of McLeod and Foegele on the wing but maybe it's time to get creative.
Give Holloway the bump to the second line and play him with Henrique and Draisaitl. Play Draisaitl either on the wing or at centre but I kind of like the idea more of Drai being the shooter on the wing. Use Holloway on the other wing and let his speed be of use to some high end skill players.
OPTION 4: 4TH LINE CENTRE HENRIQUE
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Holloway-Draisaitl-Foegele
Kane-McLeod-Perry
Janmark-Henrique-Brown
A different mix in the top six, this time with Foegele playing with Draisaitl and Holloway. The result is putting Henrique as the fourth line option with Brown and Janmark. This option would have the pitchforks out as Ken Holland's big deadline move would be playing as a fourth liner. That being said, I don't care of the cost of an acquisition if the team wins.
Henrique should be able to feast against fourth line players and with Brown starting to produce there is some legitimate scoring threats on that line. If the top nine can really click than there could be something there.
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My preference among all of these options would probably be option 2 with Holloway on a third line with McLeod and Kane bumped up with Henrique and Draisaitl.
The one name that is missing from almost all of these options is Janmark and I hope the coach recognizes that there is no situation where Janmark should be playing over Holloway. Let other players be on the PK and ensure the highest skill roster is out on the ice.
Thanks for reading.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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