Sunday, February 10, 2013
Yakupov getting new linemates?
By Luke Lapinski
After an encouraging start, the Edmonton Oilers are in a bit of a tailspin at the moment. They've managed to pick up a point in three of their last five contests, but they've ultimately still dropped all five. And, despite the wealth of young offensive firepower on the roster, they're averaging just 2.38 goals per game -- tied for No. 23 in the league.
With that in mind, head coach Ralph Krueger could mix things up a little. Jordan Eberle hasn't scored a goal in six games, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins hasn't scored at all yet this season. They've been skating on a line with Taylor Hall, but the Oilers tweeted out that Nail Yakupov may slide onto that line against Columbus today. That would allow Hall -- second on the club in scoring -- to skate with Ales Hemsky and Sam Gagner, the team-leader with 11 points. Such a scenario would keep Hall in a good spot to continue the success he's enjoyed this season, while also providing a slight change to possibly get Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins going again.
