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How To Set Up The Top 9

November 29, 2021, 5:32 PM ET [10 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Edmonton won their third game in their last four on Saturday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. It wasn't the Oilers most cohesive win of the season but there were still things to like. While Vegas did a much better job at creating sustained pressure, Edmonton did a great job of breaking out into the Golden Knights zone. Each of the three goals that the Oilers scored were a result of a quick transition out of their own end and scoring on either on odd man rush or a breakaway. Vegas has been one of the worst teams in the league this season in preventing goals against and it's clear to see why. Once Vegas committed too far in one direction, the Oilers were able to make a breakout pass and score.

What was also notable about these three goals is that they were all scored without either of McDavid or Draisaitl being in on them. RNH scored the first goal on his patented quick wrister, Hyman scored the second on a tough battle with Mark Stone, and Puljujarvi scored what would end up being the game winner on his breakaway. All three of these players have had trouble scoring over the past couple of weeks and is was great to see all of them notching a goal.

Once again, the third line with McLeod, Foegele, and now Puljujarvi looked strong. This trio has out-shot and now outscored their opposition in the brief time they have spent together. Even with this success many fans are angry to see Puljujarvi skating in this spot again in practice today while Kassian, who played very poorly against Vegas remains on the top line. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Kassian is not as good a player as Puljujarvi but I think Puljujarvi helps the third line more than Kassian hurts the top six and that is why we will see JP in this spot for awhile longer.

Here is a quote from Tippett today when asked about having Jesse on the third line:


It's nice to hear Tippett talk about Puljujarvi in this regard and I still am blown away how far we've gone from "he can't think at the NHL level" to "leader." Regardless, Tippett seems to believe that the Oilers roster is stronger with JP in that spot and right now I find it difficult to argue with him. All summer I used Andrew Copp as my reference to describe a skilled winger who can destroy the competition at 5 on 5 in a third line role. This season, Copp has been used far more in the top six and the 27 year old is likely going to have a career high in points. Originally I thought that Yamamoto could be that player but right now it looks like JP is being asked to produce away from the Oilers best players. It's a big responsibility and I believe he can do it.

That is all nice and dandy but it still leaves a massive hole in the Oilers top six that is currently being attempted to be filled by Zack Kassian. Kassian had a good game with McDavid and Draisaitl but it should be clear to everyone that he is not a legitimate top six option but sadly he is probably the best option if Tippett wants to keep the McLeod, Foegele, and Puljujarvi line together. For now, I think there is one fix I would like to see implimented.

Swap Yamamoto and Kassian.

It's one simple swap that could help get the most out of this roster. My issue with Hyman and Kassian on the same line is they both play far too similar a game. Against the Golden Knights we often saw both these men going hard behind the GK net to fight for the puck but once they got it, they didn't have anywhere really to pass it to. JP and Hyman are both puck retrieval type players but at least Puljujarvi has the shot as well. Yamamoto forechecks like a fiend just like Hyman and can use his speed and skating ability to skate into high traffic areas and is a far better playmaker than Kassian.

On the flip side, you could have Kassian as the physical presence with Draisaitl and RNH and be the guy to go into the tough places while RNH and Drai set up each other. To give Kassian some credit, I think it'd be interesting to have him as a net front presence when Draisaitl is firing his one timers from the circle. Yamamoto is an aggressive player but with his size he can only endure so much in front of the net.

Ultimately, this is what you would run as the full forward group:

Hyman-McDavid-Yamamoto
RNH-Draisaitl-Kassian
Foegele-McLeod-Puljujarvi
Benson-Ryan-Sceviour

If Edmonton is down by a goal or looking to inject some more life on a shift than Puljujarvi can be bumped up and guys can be shuffled. The Oilers do have far more depth than in previous seasons and one of those advantages is being able to slot guys down who should be higher in the lineup. Don't look at this as a demotion for Puljujarvi or a boon for Kassian, it's about what is best for the team and what's going to give the roster balance and the best shot at winning hockey games.
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