Oilers/Ducks G3: A Roster Shuffle? Who’s Coming In?

He’s Fine.

That was the answer given to Sportsnet scribe Mark Spector when he queried Oilers head coach Todd McLellan on the status of Drake Caggiula. You knew McLellan wasn’t going to say anything more than that too but you have to ask the question.

Helluva smack Draggiula took after a goal-mouth drive on Ducks goalie John Gibson in game two right in the earlier parts of the 2nd period. The fact that he immediately went to the dressing room didn’t do anything to dispell the injury speculation. Caggiula did try to come out in the 3rd but nothing was going. So, here we are.

So, here we are.

Should he even be in the lineup right now? I think it’s a question worth tossing out there.

Caggiula had 6 goals and 11 assists in 60 games during the regular season and in the playoffs, he’s amassed a grand total of ZERO points, 11 shots on goal and 10 PIMs whilst sharing the ice mostly with Zack Kassian and Mark Letestu. So I suppose we shouldn’t expect too much stats-wise from him but you’d like to see some progress in the statistical columns, no? And I’m not just talking about the time spent in the box.

The thing I do like about Caggiula is he reminds me of a more assertive Jordan Eberle but faster and less likely to button hook but more likely to take the biscuit to the basket. He’s crafty and he doesn’t mind taking a shot. I think that’s why Chiarelli and McLellan like him as well. #Gritensity

But one has to wonder, how good would Tyler Pitlick look on that 3rd line? Especially after the start to the season he had. I hope that Pitlick recovers and comes back stronger than ever. He’s a very entertaining player to watch when he’s playing his game.

So IF Caggiula is unable to go tonight, who do you think get’s a shot?

• Iiro Pakarinen – Has already played some post-season this year. Seems to have the trust of the coach
• Matt Hendricks – Cagey vet w/ an ability to take a faceoff. An area the Oilers are getting crushed in. 
• Jujhar Khaira – Great size and good along the boards. Not afraid of the rough stuff either but lacks the experience and consistency I reckon. Which is shocking when you look at the Drake’s stats.
• Joey Laleggia – Small and crafty. Scored 20 goals in the AHL this year. Why not?

If I had to choose, I reckon it would be Pakarinen. I think that T-Mac is set with his centres and doesn’t want to tinker about with them nor do I believe he wants to risk putting Hendricks in due to his lack of speed or Khaira because he probably digs how the 4th line is going and JJ might not be 3rd line ready.

Personally, I’d toss Hendricks in. I love his heart and dedication.

Let us know in the comments below who you’d put in!