Edmonton Oilers coach explains logic behind Arvidsson/Skinner line changes
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch made wholesale changes to his forward lines last night, and it paid off beautifully.
Among the most interesting of his line changes included moving Viktor Arvidsson onto his off-wing next to Connor McDavid, and promoting Jeff Skinner to the top six to play beside Leon Draisaitl.
It was the first time all season that we saw Arvidsson playing on the left wing and it’s been quite some time since Skinner got some consistent time in the top six. They were a pair of peculiar moves, but they paid off.
Both Arvidsson and Skinner were able to find the back of the net in a 4-3 OT victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Skinner also had a beautiful assist on Draisaitl’s 37th goal of the season.
When asked about the Arvidsson move after the game, Knoblauch was able to give a thoughtful answer.
“I think [Arvidsson] has elevated his game when we moved him to the left side,” Knoblauch said. “When you’re playing your off-wing you got different options. It’s not the best fit for every player, but it seems like it’s been a good look for him right now.”
"Three-on-three play, we're built for it. We've got some players that would excel in that situation. Unfortunate that we were in that situation both nights, but they found a way."
Coach Knoblauch on the #Oilers success in overtime. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/dfdRlXzluX
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 6, 2025
Skinner was the bigger story between the two players. It’s been a rough season for the veteran sniper and he had just recently been having trouble being in the lineup at all. His defensive play has looked a lot better of late and now his hard work is finally starting to translate into offensive production.
Last night’s goal was his third in his last five games. Skinner’s improved play has not gone unnoticed by Knoblauch.
“Jeff has been playing really well,” Knoblauch said. “His details have been good, he’s been checking hard, getting in the forecheck, in the right positions defensively.
“I think he played a really good game and I think he’s played really well for the last couple weeks.”
Skinner scores after some pristine passing 🤌 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/6FimGvo9K3
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 6, 2025
Having Skinner rediscover his old self down the stretch would be a massive development for this team. The Toronto native has carved out his career as a fantastic finisher, something that the Oilers could use another of in the top six.
These changes paying off immediately is yet another testament to Knoblauch’s ability to press the right buttons with this Oilers team. It may not have been the prettiest of wins, but those tweaks to the lineup proved to be the difference-maker.
It helped Edmonton sweep this short road trip and now puts them four points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead.