Per TSN's hockey insider Darren Dreger, Oilers head coach Knoblauch will be dressing seven defenceman with blueliner Vincent Desharnais returning to the lineup. The 28 year old, Desharnais hasn't played since Game 3 of Edmonton's third round series against the Dallas Stars on May 27th.
The Oilers were the more dangerous team in Game 1, with a 18-6 advantage in high-danger shot attempts but it was veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky who stood tall, stopping all 32 shots he faced, to shut out the OIlers 3-0.
While there is some risk inserting a player who hasn't seen game action in two weeks into the lineup, but coach Knoblauch must see a need for it. Desharnais is second in hits (39) and third in blocks (38) when comparing the Oilers defenceman, despite only playing in 15 games.
Edmonton will need to bring the same intensity to Game 2 while trying to get in front of Bobrovsky to take away his eyes. The veteran netminder is in prime Conn Smythe form as he doesn't want to make another trip to the final without hoisting the holy grail of hockey the Stanley Cup.
POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 267 ANSWERS Oilers Head Coach Making Lineup chanes ahead of Game 2 Who wins Game 2 tonight? | ||
Edmonton Oilers | 100 | 37.5 % |
Florida Panthers | 167 | 62.5 % |
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