{"id":408668,"date":"2026-01-15T08:02:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T08:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/408668\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T08:02:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T08:02:40","slug":"oilers-4th-line-will-be-pivotal-for-them-in-second-half-the-hockey-writers-edmonton-oilers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/408668\/","title":{"rendered":"Oilers’ 4th Line Will Be Pivotal For Them in Second Half – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite some shifting around in the Edmonton Oilers\u2019 lineup as of late, they have found some things that work for them. One combination that has really looked good is the team\u2019s fourth line<\/a>, which has mainly included Curtis Lazar<\/a>, Mattias Janmark<\/a>, and Trent Frederic<\/a>. This line isn\u2019t a big scoring line, but their impact is felt in other ways, and this can ultimately be a huge factor for the Oilers in the back half of the season.<\/p>\n

Related: Oilers Face Goalie Dilemma With Jarry About to Return From Injury<\/a><\/p>\n

This line has seen other players cycle in and play some minutes as well, such as Adam Henrique<\/a> and Matt Savoie. It is the particular combination mentioned earlier that has played the last few games together and has really clicked, though. Let\u2019s have a closer look.<\/p>\n

Edmonton\u2019s Depth Impact<\/p>\n

This line hasn\u2019t played a ton of minutes together, so the sample size in terms of stats is small. There are a few things we can look at that should please fans, though. Despite just over 20 minutes together as of Monday\u2019s (Jan. 12) game, they have a 0.4 expected goals against<\/a> and a modest 1.6 expected goals for when linked up. That looks very solid for your last forward line, and the numbers only seem to be improving as time goes on.<\/p>\n

Another massive aspect this line brings is the physicality. Frederic and Lazar both rank inside the top-five<\/a> on the Oilers in this category, including Frederic already over the 100-hit mark this season. Janmark isn\u2019t as big a hitter, but his skill with the puck and ability to muscle opponents off the puck are underrated.<\/p>\n

\"MattiasMattias Janmark, Edmonton Oilers (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

This line just plays well off of each other. They work a good cycle and are able to read the other team\u2019s defense pretty well, while also getting up in their grill. These three will be able to build more chemistry going forward, and hopefully, the return of Henrique will only add to the versatility of this group. Someone like Connor Clattenburg, who will certainly see more action at some point out of the American Hockey League (AHL), also fits well with this line and could get some looks if he gets a call-up.<\/p>\n

Oilers\u2019 Other Lines Are Set<\/p>\n

Whether or not this line was working anyway, it seems as though the coaching staff has found what they like aside from this fourth line.<\/p>\n

The @EdmontonOilers<\/a> Morning skate in Chicago:<\/p>\n

RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Kapanen
Mangiapane-Roslovic-Savoie
Janmark-Lazar-Frederic
Howard<\/p>\n

Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Emberson
Stastney-Regula
Walman-LTIR<\/p>\n

Ingram
Pickard
Jarry-LTIR<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) January 12, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Since the impressive return of Kasperi Kapanen, the top two lines have essentially been set in stone. The third line has seen Isaac Howard and Andrew Mangiapane take turns on the wing, but that\u2019s it. That leaves the last line that I\u2019ve been talking about to step up and play their role. With the exception of Henrique coming back and potentially bumping someone out, even temporarily, this is it for the long haul, and they\u2019ll need to be sharp to take on the Western Conference\u2019s toughest.<\/p>\n

Oilers\u2019 Fourth Line Can Be a Difference Maker<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the teams that have the best depth that will go the deepest in the postseason. So if the fourth line can continue to be a tough out every night, this team will have success. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has put trust in this group with important late-game minutes, specifically in the recent 4-3 loss<\/a> to the Los Angeles Kings. It may seem small now, but it could be something much bigger later on.<\/p>\n

If the head coach has faith in this fourth line for a couple shifts late in a tie game, it\u2019s a great sign for the Oilers and shows exactly why they can be a difference maker. They will need to continue to be pests that can move the puck down low and play a physical game that wears down opponents. It is a key to games late in the season, but especially in the playoffs. Having a line that can swing momentum and frustrate the other team is massive, and something Edmonton should pride themselves on having now.<\/p>\n

This team has plenty of offense in the top-six and even beyond that, so Lazar, Frederic, and Janmark should be able to stick to this type of \u201cgrinder\u201d role. As mentioned, other guys could fit into this mold and help out, but no matter what, these three guys are the ones they should go back to when they need a tough shift.<\/p>\n

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