Flaws in the Oilers’ initial Draisaitl line led to found money

The Edmonton Oilers’ original line of Leon Draisaitl, Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson has stumbled just a month into the season. Originally seen as a potential powerhouse, the combination failed due to underwhelming performances and poor chemistry. As Skinner and Arvidsson struggled significantly, the line was dismantled and has not been reunited. It’s interesting that since the split, the Oilers have excelled at finding success with alternate pairings.

By the numbers

• Jeff Skinner has just 11 points in 29 games, putting him on pace for a 31-point season.
• Viktor Arvidsson managed just 5 points in 16 games before the injury, setting him up for a disappointing 26-point season.

In-game status

• The Oilers have thrived since dismantling the original line, becoming one of the league’s top teams after October.
• Newcomers Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen have quickly formed effective pairings with Draisaitl.

What’s next

Going forward, the Oilers are expected to continue developing their new successful line combinations with a focus on maintaining momentum and overcoming early season adversity. They aim to extend their winning streak against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Bottom line

The dismantling of the Skinner and Arvidsson line has proven beneficial for the Oilers, who have found their rhythm with new pairings, showing the importance of chemistry and adaptability in a competitive sport.