Smyth - Hall - Hemsky
- They've been strong so far and offer a great mix. They can also handle the PVP matchups without getting killed.
Perron - Gordon - Yakupov
- I like the Gordon/Yakupov duo, and Perron seems like a threat every time he's on the ice. They will also be able to take on strong opposition, which they'll have to do as there are very few one-line teams in the NHL these days.
Joensuu - Arcobello - Eberle
- Hopefully some chemistry carries over between Arcobello and Eberle because I think Arcobello will need all the help he can get once he's asked to play against NHL lineups. If Eakins gets the matchups, this line should be able to do well with the easy draws.
Eager - Acton - Hamilton
- Grinder line with limited icetime. Acton can be utilized on the PK and the familiarity with Hamilton should come in handy at ES.
As for the defense, I have Belov on the team, and back at his usual RD spot. I thought he struggled last night when they had him on the left side (I still don't get why they had 5 RDs in the lineup at the same time):
Smid - Petry
- No reason to split them up, and no reason not to use them as a shutdown pairing.
Ference - J.Schultz
- Ference appears to be a better compliment to the young Schultz than Schultz Sr., and also the better defenseman at this stage.
N.Schultz - Belov
- Belov looked like the best of the bubble defensemen, and having a vetran like Schultz to help him along with 3rd pairing responsibilities could be a major boon for the Oilers. I could handle Larsen here, but I think Belov's been more effective and I like his size.