This in from Sportsnet broadcaster Jack Michaels, Edmonton’s lines at the. morning skate for tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, with checking forward Noah Philp evidently in and top unit power play specialist David Tomasek out for the Oilers:
RNH-McDavid-Mangiapane
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Roslovic
Savoie-Henrique-Frederic
Howard-Philp-Lazar
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Walman
Kulak-Emberson
Skinner
My take
1. So far this year David Tomasek has displayed skill and grit as the net front specialist on Edmonton’s top power play, which is the third best in the entire NHL at 30.3 per cent. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl lead the way with seven power play points each, Connor McDavid six, Evan Bouchard three and Tomasek just two. But Tomasek has done well screening and winning battles.
2. Overall, Edmonton has created 43 Grade A shots on the power play, with 10 goals to show for it. Tomasek has made major contributions to 14 of those Grade A shots, with Bouchard also at 14, with Draisaitl at 29, and McDavid and RNH at 25. The three main puck-handlers down low, RNH, Drai and McD, are most likely to combine on dangerous plays, but Tomasek has found away to contribute.
3. It’s evident, however, that when it comes to two-way play at even strength, Tomasek struggles at centre, while Philp is solid. Tomasek isn’t adept or fast at make reads on defence, while that key skill for a centre is coming along well with Philp.