Fall Lineups!

I realize that it's still summer, but I haven't been this excited about an Oilers team and their upcoming season since we had Weight and Cujo. I know, its a bit sad. Strangely, I was never that enthralled when KLowe brought in Pronger three summers ago (in fact I've always had a hate-on for the guy dating back to his draft year with the Petes - although his contributions in '06 were outstanding, especially playoffs). This year promises to be one of speed and skill, with a couple of surprises coming out of camp as well.

I've put a lot of thought into lines lately. There are a number of factors/circumstances that will affect and change what happens, but it is still fun to play coach for a day. Here is the lineup as I see it:

Forwards:
Cole - Horcoff - Hemsky
Penner - Gagner - Nilsson
Cogliano - Brodziak - Brule/Stortini
Moreau - Pouliot - Pisani
Adds = Schremp, Potulny, Reddox

I see Penner in on the 2nd line for a couple of reasons. He provides a big presence down low and along the boards for the young skill, he can put the puck in the net, and most importantly he provides good faceoff support (and I actually see him taking 2/3 of them over Gagner). The Oilers have no shortage of Centers this year, but are (for the first time in a long while) looking very mediocre in the faceoff circle. Penner had the best faceoff numbers last year of returning players (55%, 189 FOs). Horcoff is solid at 52%, but took close to 1000 last year and I don't see him being able to take more than 1500. The departure of Stoll and Reasoner has left a large void for faceoffs that I can't see any of the kids stepping up and making up for this (other than Brodziak - a respectable 52% on 189 FOs last yr). Gagner: 42% on 299 FOs (one of the worst in the league last yr); Cogliano: 40% on 542 FOs (just awful); Pouliot: 48% and unproven; Brule: 52% on 78 FOs (small sample size). I'm not saying that MacT won't keep the kid line together for some situations, but I see a weakness on that line that MacT is bound to try to fix. This is just one of the possibilities, but probably most likely - as it allows Penner to have some top six time.
I see Liam Reddox pulling into the lineup occasionally if he has a good camp, as the coaching staff really has a hard on for him. Schremp is due for a tryout, and Brule may surprise at camp making things tough. MacT may have to juggle a few in and out for a while to see what fits best, and this likely means that only 2 goalies stay long-term. JDD through waivers, or trade Roly. It's going to be an interesting start!


Defence:
Souray - Visnovsky
Grebeshkov - Gilbert
Smid - Staios
Adds = Roy, Strudwick

I see Staios possibly moving up with Visnovsky, as he may provide better d support that big Sheldon. Smid and Souray may work, and MacT might play around with this a bit. Super Steve will see more minutes than this lets on, as he is the go-to guy for defensive situations, but I like him with Smid as I think they have decent chemistry and Smid could probably use the mentor beside him. Visnovsky will insist on the right side, especially on the PP. One of the most solid d-corps the Oil have started the season with in a while tho.


Goal:
Garon
Roloson
Droulin-Deslauriers

I see Roly stepping up to start the season and playing well. Probably a 60-40 split with Garon until one of them gets hurt. JDD is unproven and might be a bit shaky, although you never know with goalies. I suspect he will pass through waivers mid October unfazed, and remain in Springfield until one of the big boys is injured/traded. I can't see them hanging on to three goalies for long, as I think MacT will want the extra seat in the PB for a young forward (Potulny, Reddox, Brule etc). The other option is sign Garon and trade Roly and a kid (Pouliot? JFJ?) for a solid vet.


PP Unit 1:
Penner - Horcoff - Hemsky
Souray - Visnovsky

PP Unit 2:
Cole - Gagner - Nilsson/Cogliano/Schremp
Grebeshkov - Gilbert

I see a lot of shuffling/tinkering with the lineups here - particularly the second unit with the young skill. Cole and Penner may change places, and the RW is a crapshoot. Expect a tryout period. Visnovsky's numbers should increase from last year with his right side position back - this was his biggest complaint from last season. Breaking up Souray and Visnovsky might be a good idea as well... although it would seem a waste to put Souray's shot on the second unit.


PK Unit 1:
Horcoff - Moreau
Souray - Gilbert

PK Unit 2:
Brodziak - Cogliano
Grebeshkov - Staios

This is where we will suffer on d-zone faceoffs. Things really drop off below Horc. I see Brodziak stepping up in Nov-Dec and showing us decent faceoff numbers. Brule may slip in on the 2nd unit here as well - if he stays up with the team, that is.