3 Expected Changes To Oilers' Lineup For Game 4

The Edmonton Oilers took the first game of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, but then dropped the next two to go down 2-1 in the series. The Oilers are once again on home ice for Game 4, but after a big change to the lineup ahead of last game, there appears to be even more and bigger changes to the lineup to try to tie the series.

TSN's Ryan Rishaug said that there are three potential changes for the Oilers tonight based on morning skates and who stayed on the ice. He also noted head coach Kris Knoblauch's willingness to change the lineup when things haven't gone great, doing so multiple times in the playoffs already.

So three potential changes for tonight. Broberg, McLeod and Perry for Desharnais, Carrick and Foegele, based on morning skates and who stayed on the ice. Knoblauch hasn’t been afraid to make changes, this is a lot in one game. Speed upgrade on D and with 71 returning.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) May 29, 2024

The expectation is that the three players that come out for Game 4 are Vincent Desharnais, Sam Carrick, and Warren Foegele. Replacing them should be Philip Broberg in his first playoff game of the year and 11th of his career, Ryan McLeod, and Corey Perry.

Desharnais hasn't had a great series and has been asked to play a larger role than he should with the Oilers because Cody Ceci hasn't been good alongside Darnell Nurse. Carrick replaced Perry in Game 7 vs the Vancouver Canucks and ignited the fourth line, but is the more obvious choice to be taken out if players are coming back in. Foegele hasn't had a great playoffs, scoring one goal and three points in 15 games. It was probably overdue to take him out for a game.

As for the players coming in, Broberg has looked excellent in the AHL this season and should finally be given a fair shot in the top-4 with six defensemen dressed. That hasn't happened yet and it's exciting considering he may get to be in that role next season. McLeod came out for Game 3 and Knoblauch said that we'll see him again. He's fast and great on the penalty kill. If he can get his offense going, that would be a major win for the Oilers. I mentioned Perry sitting out four games, but he has been a gamechanger in the playoffs in his career. The Oilers are hoping this reset lit a fire under him and he can make an impact in the bottom-6.