Oilers inject some much needed grit into playoff lineup

If the Edmonton Oilers line combinations at today's practice were any indication of what tomorrow's lineup versus the Winnipeg Jets will look like, it appears that Zack Kassian will play for the first time since April 21.

Kassian, 30, was injured in a game against the Montreal Canadiens with what the team called a lower-body injury, but appears to be ready to go. He struggled when in the lineup during the regular season with two goals and five points in 27 games, but there is no denying his physical play adds an element to the Oilers lineup which they will need in their series versus the Jets.

Heading into Game 1 of this series, the Oilers are considered heavy favorites given their success against the Jets this season, going 7-2-0 against them in nine contests. On top of that, the Jets really struggled to finish out the regular season, going just 3-7-0 in their final 10 games. However, they are still a very good team with plenty of dangerous forwards up front and the reigning Vezina Trophy winner in Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes, meaning the Oilers won't just walk away with an easy series win.




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