The Edmonton Oilers are navigating the Western Conference Finals without key center Adam Henrique, who may miss his eighth consecutive game, putting constraints on the team’s third-line offensive adjustments. Mark Lazerus from The Athletic reported that Henrique is on the brink of a comeback, possibly rejoining the Oilers in Game 3 or Game 4 against the Dallas Stars.
Despite a series tie with the Stars, Edmonton’s urgency to reintegrate Henrique into the lineup intensifies. The current third line, consisting of Warren Foegele, Derek Ryan, and Ryan McLeod, has only managed four points and a combined -17 rating throughout the playoffs, contributing little to the Oilers’ victories despite their fast skating capabilities.
Henrique’s return would enable significant lineup changes, such as shifting McLeod to wing and reassigning Ryan to the fourth line, aiming for a more effective offensive distribution. Henrique, acquired at the trade deadline, has consistently performed, recording six goals and nine points in 22 regular-season games and adding two points in six playoff appearances before his injury.
In other developments, Caleb Kerney of The Hockey News suggests further adjustments for the Oilers, advocating for the placement of Sam Gagner in the fourth-line center role over Sam Carrick, should Henrique’s absence persist in Game 3. Kerney believes Gagner’s speed and creativity could provide the offensive spark Edmonton needs, despite Carrick’s superior defensive skills.
Additionally, PuckPedia revealed financial implications for the Oilers, who will owe Corey Perry a $50K performance bonus if they triumph over the Stars in the Conference Finals. Perry qualifies for the bonus after participating in over 50% of the team’s playoff games, further straining Edmonton’s cap with an impending league-high overage penalty of $3.55MM for the next season.
