Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch is hoping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can drive separate lines to success in Game 4 against the Vancouver Canucks
Knoblauch told reporters Tuesday he’ll start the game with McDavid and Draisaitl centring their own lines, though he added it’s possible they’ll join forces as the game goes on.
McDavid is expected to be between Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, while Draisaitl is with Evander Kane and Dylan Holloway.
McDavid and Draisaitl spent the majority of Games 2 and 3 together. McDavid played 29:42 in the last game, with Draisaitl at 29:04.
Meanwhile, Knoblauch said defenceman Philip Broberg could draw into the lineup as a seventh defenceman.
Forward Adam Henrique also will miss his third game in a row with a lower-body injury.
Finally, Calvin Pickard makes his first career playoff start in goal, replacing the struggling Stuart Skinner.
The Canucks lead the series 2-1. Watch Game 4 on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+.