Oilers Shake Up Lineup in Do-Or-Die Game 4 vs Panthers
So here we are — Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, and the Edmonton Oilers are officially in must-win mode. After getting absolutely routed 6-1 by the Florida Panthers in Game 3, the Oilers are making some bold changes to their lineup, hoping to breathe new life into a team that knows its back is against the wall.
Coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t holding back. Jeff Skinner and Troy Stecher are stepping in, replacing Viktor Arvidsson and John Klingberg. This isn’t just a shuffle — it’s a statement. Stecher hasn’t played since May 27, but he’ll pair up with Darnell Nurse on the blue line. His message? Stay simple, stay aggressive. He knows his game — move pucks, play hard, bring energy. And he’s got a reputation for stepping up when it matters. With 27 playoff games under his belt and a +16 rating, he's proven he belongs in moments like this.
Then there's Jeff Skinner. He’s skating on a line with Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic. The last time we saw him in action, he scored in the Western Conference Final. He’s a veteran presence with a nose for the net, and with the series slipping, this kind of injection might be just what the Oilers need.
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But that’s not all — Connor Brown is moving up to the top line with Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. That’s a huge vote of confidence. McDavid praised Brown’s pace and puck skills, saying he’s more than ready to contribute at the top level. Corey Perry slides down to the fourth line, which might help balance things out.
Now, let’s talk goaltending. Yes, Stuart Skinner is staying in net despite getting pulled after five goals in Game 3. And honestly, I like that call. He’s 6-0 with a .955 save percentage in Game 4s throughout these playoffs. He says he feels like he gets better as the series goes on — more rhythm, more comfort. He’s not panicking, and that’s key.
Even in practice, you can feel a different vibe from the Oilers. They held a full skate Thursday morning — that’s five straight days on the ice for most of the squad, including McDavid and Draisaitl. While the Panthers took some rest, the Oilers are leaning into the grind. McDavid said they didn’t come out of the break feeling their best, so the goal now is to reset the rhythm and find their edge.
Meanwhile, Nugent-Hopkins confirmed he’s feeling better after dealing with a hand issue. He played through it in Game 3 and skated again Thursday morning. This guy's a warrior — the longest-serving Oiler and still battling like it’s his first Final.
Both teams know the stakes. Florida has the edge, but they’re expecting tonight to be the most disciplined, fastest game of the series. After 140 penalty minutes in Game 3, both sides want to dial it back and focus on 5-on-5 hockey.
So yeah, tonight isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about survival. Edmonton is betting on experience, hunger, and a shake-up that might just tip the momentum. Game 4 is going to be gritty, intense, and possibly season-defining. Buckle up.
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