Kings Roster Notes: (IN) Jonathan Bernier (2.57 GAA, .908 SV%), Oscar Moller, Brad Richardson, Kevin Westgarth. (OUT) Davis Drewiske, Peter Harrold, Scott Parse (hip), Justin Williams (shoulder), Anze Kopitar (ankle).
Oilers Roster Notes: (IN) Nikolai Khabibulin (3.34 GAA, .891 SV%), Teemu Hartikainen. (OUT) Taylor Hall (ankle), Ales Hemsky (shoulder), Ryan Whitney (ankle), Sam Gagner (hand), Gilbert Brule (concussion), Taylor Chorney (knee), Shawn Horcoff (foot)
A brief word before we begin.
The new lines have been analyzed to death, and everyone knows the rest of the team must step up. Another key storyline to track will be the coaching. Can TM emulate the success of Trotz and Bylsma, adapting to his players and continuing to win with less firepower up front? While he is known for adhering to his conservative system, he did come around to changing his mind about some things that made us crazy (changing the order of the shootout to favor players with the best record, finally changing things up from the umbrella on the power play). He is also known for his willingness to juggle the lines during the games and after them. What other adjustments will he make, and when will he make them? This could be the biggest story for the rest of the season.