Oilers planning major lineup change for Game 2 vs. Panthers

The Edmonton Oilers are hoping to knot up their Stanley Cup Final series up with the Florida Panthers on Monday night after they suffered a 3-0 loss in Game 1 on Saturday night. And as they look for ways to get back on track, they could be plotting an interesting lineup change when it comes to their defensive pairings.

While the Oilers largely controlled the action in Game 1, they allowed the Panthers some high-danger chances that they were able to capitalize on early in the game. In an effort to shore things up on that side of the ice, Edmonton appears to be looking into a big lineup change for Game 2, and it could result in Vincent Desharnais returning to the action on the Oilers blue line.

I believe there’s a strong chance we see Desharnais in game 2. Will the Oilers dress 7 D? Game day decisions are interesting this time of year. https://t.co/6KOO8SiQwu

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 10, 2024

Vincent Desharnais could help shore up Oilers defense in Game 2

Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Desharnais was a regular in the lineup for the Oilers early in the postseason, as he played in every game in their first two series’ against the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. He ended up getting replaced by Philip Broberg for the final three games against the Dallas Stars, and sure enough, Broberg was in the lineup over Desharnais once again in Game 1 against Florida.

With Desharnais likely returning to the lineup, that means that someone is going to have to be bumped out of the action for Game 2. While Broberg may seem like the most likely option, Edmonton’s morning skate defensive pairings make it seem like Cody Ceci could find himself being the odd man out in Game 2.

Via Frank Seravalli:

“At morning skate, Oilers have Darnell Nurse with Vinny Desharnais ahead of Game 2.

Ekholm-Bouchard
Kulak-Broberg
Nurse-Desharnais

Appears Cody Ceci may be a healthy scratch.”

At 6’7, 226 pounds, Desharnais would add a physical element to Edmonton’s defense that they don’t necessarily have when he isn’t on the ice. The Panthers are easily the most physical team the Oilers have matched up with in the playoffs this year, so having someone who can play that style of hockey could be crucial to helping the team get back into this series before it’s too late.

Desharnais is a defensive defenseman at heart, as he racked up only one assist over his first 15 games in the postseason. At times, Desharnais was exposed by their previous opponents, especially against a relentlessly fast Stars attack. But his style of play is much more suited for playing against a team like the Panthers, so it’s not a huge surprise to see this is a move the team is considering.

Of course, even if Desharnais helps the Oilers fight back against the Panthers’ desire to hit them as much as possible, they are going to have to find a way to beat Sergei Bobrovsky after his spectacular 32-save clean sheet in Game 1. This could end up being a shrewd move for Edmonton, but the return of Desharnais isn’t going to win them this game alone, and it will be interesting to see if they can clean up their other big issues from Game 1 on Monday night.

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