Connor Brown to join Oilers lineup for first playoff game Vs. Canucks

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Hunter Bowman
May 8, 2024 (5:26 PM)

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Tonight, as the Edmonton Oilers kick off their series in Vancouver, they'll be without key trade deadline acquisition Adam Henrique due to injury.

In response, coach Knoblauch is tapping Connor Brown to step into the lineup.

Henrique, sidelined since the conclusion of the first-round series against Los Angeles, has been dealing with a leg injury, which kept him out of recent practices. This absence has led the coaching staff to shuffle the deck, with Mattias Janmark stepping up to the top line.

However, it's anticipated that Knoblauch will rotate several players through this slot, potentially boosting the line with shifts from stars like Draisaitl, Kane, and Nugent-Hopkins alongside McDavid and Hyman.

Connor Brown, who has had a challenging season with only four goals in 71 games despite high expectations from his signing, will now have a chance to shift the narrative.

Although he started the season underwhelmingly, Brown showed signs of improvement towards the end. Tonight, he's not just filling a gap, he's crucial for the Oilers' strategy, whether on the penalty kill, energizing the fourth line, or potentially scoring a critical goal.

For Brown, tonight is about setting aside past struggles. The playoffs offer a clean slate, and his performance could be key in a vital win for the Oilers. As the puck drops in Vancouver, all eyes will be on him to see if he can rise to the occasion.

Source: Oilersdaily
Veteran Oilers forward entering lineup for first playoff game