Nelson changes No. 1 line
Barons coach Todd Nelson has been known to tinker with his forward lines. This year will be no different even though the roster is more stable during the NHL lockout than previous seasons when players shuttled back and forth between Edmonton and Oklahoma City.
The most noticeable change Friday night when the Barons play their home opener against San Antonio is Nelson has moved 34-year-old team captain Josh Green to the No. 1 line alongside the Oilers’ young stars Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle.
“We have a lot of different combinations,” Nelson said. “It doesn’t matter what line we have there’s always something a bit special on each line. It’s a good problem to have. We can change the lines up a little bit to see what the chemistry will be.”
In Friday’s home opener, Magnus Paajarvi, who opened the season on the No. 1 line, will play on a line with Teemu Hartikainen and Chris VandeVelde.
“That was our top line in the playoffs last year when Josh Green was hurt,” Nelson said. “They’re pretty familiar with each other.”
Antti Tyrvainen missed the first two games with a minor back injury. Tyrvainen will return Friday night and be on a line with Mark Arcobello and Tyler Pitlick.
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Sounds like a very good move coach!