This in from Bob Stauffer of the Oilers, Edmonton’s tentative lines for tonight’s game against the New York Rangers.
Andrew Mangiapane has been promoted to the top line with Jack Roslovic making his debut on the second line.
With no Alec Regula on the ice due to injury, Troy Stecher is coming in to play a game. “We hope (Regula) that he can return sometime during this trip, so the weekend or around then,” coach Kris Knoblauch said.
Also of note, Matt Savoie held his spot on the second line, but Noah Philp has been taken out for now, with Ike Howard remaining in the line-up.
Draisaitl-McDavid-Mangiapane
Savoie-RNH-Roslovic
Podkolzin-Frederic-Kapanen
Howard-Henrique-Tomasek
Extras: Janmark (IR), Philp, Lazar
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Stecher
Kulak-Emberson
Walman (IR)
Skinner
Pickard
P.S. NYR lineup at morning skate ahead of game vs. Oilers:
Panarin-Zibanejad-Lafrenière
Cuylle-Miller-Sheary
Brodzinski-Laba-Raddysh
Edström-Carrick-Rempe
Gavrikov-Fox
Robertson-Borgen
Vaakanainen-Schneider
Game 2 Grade A 2025-26
My take
1. Regula played well for the Oilers in his first two games, so it’s tough to see him not on the ice. He missed all of last season with injuries. Against Vancouver on Saturday he took a hellacious hit from Evander Kane near the end of the game and left the match.
2. Frederic has been taken off the top line and will be used as the centre on Knoblauch’s heavy line, moving out Noah Philp, who had played well enough in the first two games. Frederic had had his best game as an Oiler on Saturday playing with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but he’s not close to the sniper that Andrew Mangiapane is. The Rangers aren’t at the highest end of physical play, either, so perhaps it’s best to go with a more skilled line-up.
Coach Kris Knoblauch talked about using Frederic as the centre on a big, tough checking line, so now we see that, with Philp on the sidelines. I’d have kept Philp in the game and taken out Howard, but it’s also good to see the Oilers sticking with a skilled young player like Howard for now.
That said, the fourth line of Adam Henrique, Howard and David Tomasek has yet to create a Grade A shot.
3. With two great goals in two games, no surprise to see Mangiapane promoted. It’s also no surprise to see Jack Roslovic make his debut on the second line. He’ll add some speed to a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Matt Savoie. That’s a fast trio. We’ll see if they have any chemistry.
4. Even as Calvin Pickard had a good game against Vancouver, Stuart Skinner is back in net. This makes sense. Skinner was good against Calgary, save for one ugly mistake. Skinner moved well in the net against the Flames and made a few excellent saves, including one whopper in OT. And, of course, the Oilers have to find out what they’ve got in Skinner this year. If he’s going to seize the No. 1 job — Plan A for the organization — he’s got to have that opportunity. Tonight is one more test of many.
Roster Oct 14 2025
At the Cult of Hockey
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