Josh Archibald shouldn't be on this roster anymore. He bleeds chances against, provides no offense or defensive ability himself, and worse, makes his linemates actively worse. Let's go back a few games and look at the proof.
Against the Sharks, the Nuge-Brassard-Puljujarvi line, went 1-0 at even strength and were dominate with a 79.17CF% and xGF% of 89.47%. The following game against the Flames, despite allowing 9 EV goals, the Brassard-RNH-Puljujarvi line went 1-1 in 5 on 5 goals. Their CF% dropped to 40% but the xGF% was still high above 70%. To sum up with less math, this line together provided excellent defense at 5 on 5, was able to produce and overall provide a strong number of chances on net. For anyone who says Jesse Puljujarvi doesn't do enough I would simply respond they don't know the game. Whatever line Puljujarvi is on outchances and out possesses the opposition.
Now, how did the duo of RNH and Brassard fair with Josh Archibald on their line against the 32nd place Arizona Coyotes. While this line was not scored on, they absolutely were destroyed in the possession game. A 20CF% and an incredible in how bad it is, 0xGF%. That means there was literally (and I am using that word correctly) no chance of that line scoring.
Archibald has played 5 games for the Oilers and just over 36 minutes at 5 on 5. He posts a team worst 30CF% and a team worst xGF% of 22.88%. If you want hits throw Kassian in the lineup over Archibald, at least you might get something out of that.
What I would much rather see right now is for the Oilers to recall Dylan Holloway and try and get him up and running as fast as possible. 11 of 12 of the Oilers forwards have been looking really good over the last stretch (minus Calgary in which no one looked good). Woodcroft has done an excellent job with this lineup and I don't think I could come up with a better way to flesh out this lineup. Kane-McDavid-Puljujarvi works as does Hyman-Draisaitl-Yamamoto. Ryan McLeod finally got some pucks in the net and the fourth line of Foegele-McLeod-Ryan have been solid.
Brassard and RNH seem to have clicked early together as well but that RW spot next to them is still a revolving door. Archibald is absolutely not the answer. Holloway could be.
Tonight Edmonton plays a crucial game against the LA Kings. A win in regulation tonight puts Edmonton tied in points with the Kings with a game in hand. Again, a first round matchup between LA and Edmonton seems to be the door we are heading towards.
the Oilers are 1-1 against the Kings this season, with both games being blowouts. Edmonton lost their first against the Kings back in December 5-1 with Dave Tippett behind the bench. That was the Oilers second loss in what would end up being a 6 game losing skid. In February, in Jay Woodcroft's third game as head coach, Edmonton would beat the Kings 5-2. After tonight's game, there is one more matchup between these two teams, April 7th.
Koskinen get's the start tonight in case there was any confusion who JW believes is the starter. Keep Mikko in as the starter but bring up Stuart Skinner ASAP.
Looking at the number of injured players the LA Kings have. This is a game the Oilers absolutely should win. Doughty is out long term and will likely miss the remainder of the regular season, if not longer. Matt Roy, Sean Walker, and Mikey Anderson are all out as well. These are all players who were on the roster on opening night for the Kings. Add to that Duston Brown and Andreas Athanasiou and the Kings are a depleted team. Despite all of that, the Kings a threat. Since the beginning of March they've allowed the 19th fewest goals at 5 on 5 with 28 (Oilers sit 21st with 30) and have the 16th best P% at 0.571% going 7-5-2.
The good news for the Oilers? The Kings have struggled mightily to produce at 5 on 5. This month they have scored the second fewest EV goals at 19. Only the Ducks have scored less with 18 but the Kings have played two more games than Anaheim this month. As long as Edmonton plays smart in their own end and avoids the odd-man rushes they gave up relentlessly in Calgary they should have a good chance to win.