The Edmonton Oilers are shaking things up as they prepare to face the Ottawa Senators, reuniting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the top line in an effort to jumpstart their offense. The team hopes that this strategic move will provide the spark they need after a disappointing start to the season.

Coach Kris Knoblauch is banking on the established chemistry between McDavid and Draisaitl to ignite the team's scoring touch. Joining them on the top line will be Vasily Podkolzin, who is expected to bring a physical edge and help win puck battles. The Oilers hope Podkolzin's presence will not only complement the dynamic duo but also spread the talent across the other lines.

As of Tuesday, October 21st, the projected lines for the Oilers are: Podkolzin-McDavid-Draisaitl; Mangiapane-RNH-Roslovic; Frederic-Philp-Savoie; Howard-Henrique-Tomasek. On defense, the pairings are expected to be Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Walman, Kulak-Emberson, and Stecher-Regula, with Stuart Skinner starting in goal. Notably, defenseman Jake Walman is set to make his debut against the Senators.

Both McDavid and Draisaitl have expressed frustration with their individual performances and the team's overall struggles. Draisaitl, with four goals to his name, admitted to not feeling at his best, emphasizing the significant impact that top players have on the team's success. McDavid, still searching for his first goal of the season, echoed the sentiment, pointing to the team's lack of synchronization during 5-on-5 play and on the power play. He noted that the entire team feels "out of sync".

The decision to reunite McDavid and Draisaitl reflects a strategic effort to revitalize the Oilers' offensive capabilities. Their track record as one of the league's most potent duos is undeniable, and the team is optimistic that rekindling their partnership will yield positive results.