Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has been adjusting line combinations since January, seeking the right chemistry and boosting team performance.
Since taking over as interim head coach for the Edmonton Oilers in the middle of the 2024 season, Kris Knoblauch has made a concerted effort to fine-tune the team’s line combinations. Recognizing that consistency and chemistry are essential for any team’s success, he’s used his extensive coaching experience to reshuffle the lines with the aim of optimizing performance across all four forward units. Despite being thrust into a challenging role partway through the season, Knoblauch has displayed flexibility and patience, making necessary adjustments in the pursuit of winning hockey.
This ongoing process of line tinkering began in January, and the changes reflect both the Oilers’ strengths and weaknesses as they march towards the playoffs. Knoblauch, like many NHL coaches, knows that managing forward lines is one of the most effective ways to create team synergy and generate consistent offensive production. Yet, the stakes in Edmonton are particularly high, given the star power of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both of whom are among the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons. But even with these elite players, the Oilers have struggled at times with defensive consistency, secondary scoring, and overall team play. Thus, adjusting line combinations and finding the right balance of talent, speed, and defensive awareness has become a key focal point for Knoblauch as he seeks to maximize his roster’s potential.
The Challenge of Balancing Star Power and Depth
The Oilers are a team with one of the most potent top lines in all of hockey, yet they’ve faced the perennial challenge of translating that offensive dominance into sustained success. The dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, along with other key forwards, represents an outstanding first line. But hockey is more than just stars—depth, balance, and overall system play are critical, especially in the playoffs when every line will be under pressure. Knoblauch’s challenge has been balancing the need to build around the stars while ensuring the entire roster has the support it needs to contribute.
When it comes to line combinations, this means finding the right players to complement McDavid and Draisaitl. They need players who can not only facilitate their offensive game but also contribute in all three zones, particularly on the defensive side. Knoblauch has experimented with combinations such as pairing McDavid with a more defensive-minded player like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins while shifting Draisaitl to other lines. This gives the Oilers more balanced lines and creates secondary scoring options, a key component in any Cup-winning team.
The Effects of Injuries and Roster Moves
Injuries have played a significant role in Knoblauch’s decision to shuffle lines regularly. Throughout the season, the Oilers have faced various injuries to key players, forcing adjustments to line combinations on the fly. At times, this has resulted in less-than-ideal pairings, but Knoblauch’s ability to adapt quickly and pivot his strategy has helped minimize the impact.
Additionally, roster moves during the season—whether via trades, waivers, or call-ups from the AHL—have influenced Knoblauch’s line configuration. New players often bring new elements to a team’s playstyle, and it takes time to integrate them into the existing system. Knoblauch has shown his willingness to experiment with new combinations, even if that means temporarily breaking up established pairings. For example, the addition of a gritty forward or a two-way defenseman could prompt him to move lines around to see how the new player fits within the team dynamic.
One key adjustment during this period was Knoblauch’s decision to shift a few players into different roles. Notably, pairing a speedy winger like Zach Hyman with McDavid has allowed the latter to use his speed and vision to break down defenses while Hyman provides a forechecking presence. The movement of players like Kailer Yamamoto and Evander Kane to different lines has created opportunities for them to add scoring depth, which the Oilers desperately need. These line shuffling tactics have been aimed at ensuring that no line feels like it is entirely dependent on McDavid and Draisaitl, thus making the team harder to match up against in the postseason.
Special Teams and Line Combinations
Knoblauch has also adjusted his line combinations with special teams in mind. The Oilers have one of the most lethal power plays in the league, thanks to the electric playmaking of McDavid and Draisaitl. But even on special teams, he has tinkered with player pairings and lineups to ensure the Oilers can continue their dominance while also having reliable options for the penalty kill.
On the power play, Knoblauch has occasionally mixed up who plays alongside McDavid on the half-wall, giving different forwards a chance to take the puck to the net or set up shots from the point. This keeps opposing penalty kills on their toes and gives the Oilers more versatility in their power-play attack. Similarly, adjustments to the penalty kill lines have sought to add grit and defensive prowess, focusing on forwards who can successfully pressure the puck and block shots. By reshuffling the lines based on who is playing well and who brings the right skills for the task at hand, Knoblauch is ensuring that the Oilers maintain strong special teams play throughout the season.
McDavid’s Impact on Line Chemistry
Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, obviously carries a great deal of influence over the Oilers’ line decisions. His ability to create offense from virtually anywhere on the ice requires the coach to surround him with players who can make the most of his extraordinary playmaking skills. Throughout the season, Knoblauch has adjusted McDavid’s linemates based on who is clicking, understanding that no combination is set in stone.
With the emergence of new players and shifting roles, McDavid’s chemistry with his linemates has been a key focus for Knoblauch. The addition of players like Kane and Yamamoto has given McDavid more support in the offensive zone, helping him find open space and generate even more chances. Knoblauch’s strategic line changes have also allowed McDavid to adapt to the opposition’s defensive tactics, as he’ll often face the opposing team’s best defensive pairings. Thus, adding more depth around him has alleviated some of the pressure that falls on his shoulders, giving him more freedom to dictate play.
The Importance of Team Identity and Flexibility
Knoblauch’s line-shuffling strategy also speaks to his broader vision for the team. A key aspect of any successful hockey team is understanding its identity, and for the Oilers, that identity is offensive firepower, speed, and skill. While Knoblauch acknowledges these strengths, he also recognizes that a team can’t rely solely on star power to carry them through the playoffs. Depth and flexibility are critical in the postseason, and by changing his lines regularly, Knoblauch ensures that the team can respond to whatever challenges come their way.
Flexibility also applies to the Oilers’ overall approach. By experimenting with line combinations, Knoblauch is not only looking to find the right on-ice chemistry but is also creating the adaptability needed to make tactical adjustments in high-pressure playoff situations. In the postseason, where matchups can dictate how teams operate, having the ability to mix and match lines gives the Oilers a distinct advantage over teams that may be more rigid in their approach.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
As the Oilers approach the playoff push, the ongoing adjustments to their forward lines will be even more critical. With McDavid and Draisaitl in the prime of their careers, and with the supporting cast improving, the team will need to finalize its lineup combinations to ensure it has the right chemistry heading into the postseason. Knoblauch has made significant progress in fine-tuning this, and it’s likely that we’ll see more shuffling as the Oilers aim for that coveted Stanley Cup.
In the end, Kris Knoblauch’s ability to make thoughtful, calculated decisions about his lines could play a significant role in determining the Oilers’ success. By ensuring that each line has a clear role and that the team’s depth is properly utilized, he is positioning Edmonton to be a true Stanley Cup contender. As the Oilers continue to refine their lineup and prepare for the playoffs, they’ll rely on the adjustments made in January and beyond to propel them toward their championship aspirations.
