Veteran presence and key returns shape Oilers' projected Game 1 lineup for Stanley Cup Final
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice on Sunday for a crucial practice session that may have revealed their intended lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. With Zach Hyman expected to miss the series due to injury, veteran forward Corey Perry slotted in alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and captain Connor McDavid on the top line.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Though Perry recently turned 40, his experience and performance so far in the playoffs seem to have earned him the coaching staff's trust in this vital role.
Defensive core stabilizes with Ekholm return
'The Oilers are a better puck moving team': Rishaug on Stanley Cup rematch
While Hyman's absence has impacted the offense, the defense appears more settled thanks to the return of Mattias Ekholm. His time off due to injury during earlier playoff rounds could now work in the Oilers' favor, allowing him to come back refreshed at a crucial moment.
Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson also participated in the practice. Stecher, who previously stepped up during Ekholm's absence, remains a strong candidate for insertion into the lineup if adjustments are needed.
Tactical depth and veteran presence is leading strategy
The Edmonton Oilers (Credit: Getty Image)
This projected lineup reflects a strategy focused on balance. Between seasoned veterans and playoff-tested younger players. Perry's elevation to the top line underlines the importance of experience. Especially in high-pressure scenarios, his presence might not replicate Hyman's production.
But could offer a more composed and physical style suited to playoff hockey.
Knoblauch's flexibility with depth players like Brown, Ryan, and Stecher. They point to a mindset ready for quick changes. Based on performance or matchup needs, with the team's top stars healthy and defensive reinforcements in place, Edmonton appears poised to field a lineup designed for resilience and adaptability.
Read more:
Sunday's practice wasn't just a tune-up; it may have given fans the clearest look yet at what to expect when the puck drops for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. With significant changes brought on by injuries and timely recoveries, the Oilers seem ready to lean on both their stars and their bench to navigate hockey's most demanding stage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Stanley Cup Final history: Panthers-Oilers rematch joins exclusive list of back-to-back NHL showdowns
Panthers and Oilers face off again in a rare Stanley Cup Final rematch (Image via: Getty Images) In a league built on grit and glory, repeat champions are rare—repeat matchups, even rarer. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final brings back the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers for a second straight year, reigniting a rivalry and reviving a tradition that few teams ever achieve. It's not just a rematch, it's a moment etched in NHL history. Panthers and Oilers make NHL history with rare Stanley Cup Final rematch The NHL is no stranger to fierce rivalries, but only a handful of franchises have ever met in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. With the Panthers and Oilers renewing hostilities in 2025, they've become just the fifth pair to do so since the league's expansion era began in 1967-68. Before this showdown, the last back-to-back Final came over a decade ago, when Sidney Crosby's Penguins and the Red Wings traded Stanley Cups in 2008 and 2009. Prior to that, it was the dynastic battles of the Canadiens vs. Blues (1968-69) and Canadiens vs. Bruins (1977-78), as well as the iconic Islanders-Oilers duels in the early 1980s—each helping shape the league's legacy. 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final SUPER PREVIEW: Panthers vs. Oilers | Storylines, Player Rankings & MORE Now, Florida is fighting to become the NHL's first repeat champion since Tampa Bay in 2020-21, while Edmonton is chasing its first title since 1990 and a shot at redemption after last year's Game 7 heartbreak. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo What makes this repeat so unique isn't just the stats, it's the stakes. The Panthers have evolved into a powerhouse with a relentless defensive core and playoff-tested depth. Meanwhile, the Oilers boast generational firepower in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, yet still battle questions about closing out when it matters most. While many fans are excited for the Panthers-Oilers rematch, others see it as a sign of deeper issues in the NHL. With small-market teams often left out and the same stars dominating the spotlight, this back-to-back Stanley Cup Final is viewed by some as a repeat performance rather than fresh history in the making. Also Read: Edmonton Oilers bring Canada together in quest for Stanley Cup victory It raises concerns about whether true NHL parity still exists in the league. As the same top teams dominate the Stanley Cup Playoffs year after year, the path to the Stanley Cup Final seems increasingly difficult for rising contenders and small-market franchises.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
'It's difficult and isolating': Chloe Skinner opens up on life as an NHL wife and motherhood ahead of Stanley Cup Finals
Stuart Skinner and Chloe Skinner (via Getty Images) Chloe Skinner has stayed alongside her husband, Stuart Skinner, in every turn and curve of his hockey career. Getting to know each other as teenagers, the pair has spent over 10 years rolling with the punches of pro hockey life — from bouncing from minor league team to minor league team in Wichita and Bakersfield to finally settling down in Edmonton Oilers when Stuart Skinner's career took off. Chloe Skinner talks about motherhood, balancing family and the NHL lifestyle Raising two young sons, Bo and Darcy, in addition to dealing with the demands of an NHL player, enhances the complexity. Chloe Skinner explains that the first year of motherhood proved particularly difficult, with Stuart Skinner's constant departures on game nights during the season. 'I have fond memories of my first year of motherhood. But you know, it was a darker time for me too. Because, it's kind of a shock to the system. And then to throw in Stu trying to find a place in his career and like establish where he wants to be. And then he's gone for weeks at a time,' Chloe Skinner shared on Breaking the Ice Podcast. 'It's difficult and isolating, even though I do have like the most amazing mom group on this team, like truly, we have the most supportive women, and it's comforting to have them. But you don't have your partner a lot of the time. So it's hard to co parent when they're not around.' She also spoke about her post-pregnancy issues. 'It was a really hard time and it had a huge effect on me. Obviously, like I had postpartum depression. I was incredibly anxious. I was so miserable. Anybody who talked to me that for six months, I would say, I'm never doing this again.' A decade of dedication: From teen sweethearts to NHL families Behind the Stanley Cup Finals: Goalie Wife Life with Chloe Skinner Chloe Skinner also shared how years of adjusting to hockey's mercurial lifestyle have honed her mental toughness. What began as anxiety has now developed into a profound sense of calm and assurance. 'It really helped shape me as a person to be the best mother I could be… The person I was 10 years ago, before all of this, I'm just like a shell of the person I am right now. And what I can handle now compared to what I could handle 10 years ago is just nuts. It's you're so right.' Chloe stated. She further credited her husband with bringing in a lot of stability to her shaky life. 'There were times I questioned whether I was strong enough to handle the constant relocations and unpredictability, but my devotion to Stu overrode all of that. He [Stuart] keeps me so relaxed. He's really molded me into this way more chill person over the last 10 years. I just wouldn't have been able to handle this 10 years ago, but every year it gets easier.' Chloe said. In the midst of all the attention, Chloe is intent on developing a supportive atmosphere for their children, urging them to pursue their own interests outside of hockey. 'Having kids in this lifestyle, I don't even know how to explain it really that well. But it is, you know, the best thing ever is to have the boys a part of everything and to experience this,' Chloe describes. 'And I know that it's going to be amazing memories for them.' Also read: Stanley Cup final spotlight: Can Stuart Skinner outperform Sergei Bobrovsky in the net? Looking Ahead: Hope and determination for the Stanley Cup Finals As the Oilers gear up for their second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, Chloe Skinner's story presents a moving look behind the scenes — one of love, self-sacrifice, and unwavering support.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
"One of the most bizarre goalies": Stuart Skinner silences critics with playoff calm as Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate cautiously
Stuart Skinner (via Getty Images) Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner is rewriting his playoff script in the moment, making headlines behind the net during the NHL Playoffs. Following a bumpy beginning, Stuart Skinner's recent play has propelled the Edmonton Oilers and the fan base, including critics, into the spotlight. Yet amidst all the accolades, there remains a spot, with lots of Oilers fans still a bit wary to accept the transformation as anything other than temporary. Stuart Skinner's playoff resurgence brings mixed feelings to Edmonton Oilers supporters What has changed since Skinner returned as Oilers' starter? Stuart Skinner, who was once subjected to withering criticism following erratic performances in previous playoff runs, is now attracting a new type of attention, thanks to a series of solid games that have propelled the Edmonton Oilers further into the playoffs. Once viewed as a liability between the pipes, Stuart Skinner's swift comeback has even opponents' fans lifting an eyebrow. "Crazy how Edmonton started playing defense," commented a Reddit user, looking back on both Stuart Skinner's resurgence and the team's strengthened play in front of him. Another chimed in, "Yeah but stu def stole a few games for them that they prob would've lost against Dallas had he not played so well." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exclusive MBA Scholarships [Start Now] Google Search Search Now Undo But if there's one central theme that permeates the online fan conversation, it's caution. "Hes one of the most bizarre goalies ive ever seen. Hes either unbeatable, or awful. Florida will be the toughest test though, lot of good shooters on that team." someone wrote. "It's his system," another joked. "Play bad , get pulled , redemption. You get used to it." Despite those jitters, there is increasing respect for Skinner's grit. "Not crazy at all for anyone who's followed his career. He always has a slump after missing games but gets back to his usual self after a few. He also tends to play above his stature in big games. Just look at last season's playoffs and this year's. Pressure is good on him." That observation rang throughout the thread, as veteran fans of Skinner's career praised his resiliency after slumps. And it's not all about shutting down pucks. Some fans complimented Stuart Skinner's off-ice attitude as much as his stops. "Skinner gives some of the most honest and thoughtful answers in pro sports," one fan wrote, praising his down-to-earth, team-oriented attitude. While the Oilers are set to take on a potent Florida Panthers offense in the Stanley Cup Final, Skinner is the one being watched. With shooters like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk releasing from every possible corner, perhaps the greatest challenge lies ahead. "Hes one of the most bizarre goalies ive ever seen. Hes either unbeatable, or awful. Florida will be the toughest test though, lot of good shooters on that team," a user warned. While most are hopelessly optimistic, there's one place where sentiment is anything but: among Edmonton Oilers supporters. Also read: Stanley Cup final spotlight: Can Stuart Skinner outperform Sergei Bobrovsky in the net? One thing is clear: Stuart Skinner has already altered the dynamic. Whether he can continue to perform against one of the league's most perilous offenses will establish both his name and Edmonton's championship aspirations. In the meantime, he's regained some credibility—and perhaps a touch of faith.
