Oilers get two key reinforcements back from injury ahead of matchup vs. Kraken
The Oilers are set to welcome back Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar from injury as the team takes on the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.
The Edmonton Oilers were one of just two NHL teams off on Black Friday, using the time off to prepare for Saturday's matchup against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.
Edmonton will get a boost with the return of two key players, as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar are back, but injuries continue to challenge the lineup.
What Kris Knoblauch said about Jack Roslovic's injury
Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Jack Roslovic will miss a couple of weeks after suffering an injury in Tuesday's loss to Dallas. He had been one of the team's hottest forwards before going down.
Kasperi Kapanen will also be out "at least a week, maybe several weeks" after tweaking his knee during Thursday's practice.
Defenceman Jake Walman is making progress but won't play Saturday, with a possible return during Edmonton's upcoming homestand.
The timing is difficult for a team trying to stabilize a 10-10-5 record. Even with the injuries, the Oilers are focused on tightening their defensive structure and building momentum with the players available.
Why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' return is good news for the Oilers
The good news: Nugent-Hopkins' return on Saturday for the first time since early November will give Knoblauch valuable flexibility, especially with Roslovic out.
The lighter schedule this week afforded extra practice time to get some defensive problems cleaned up. Tuesday's 8-3 loss to Dallas served as a reminder of the challenge at hand.
It's the third time this season the Oilers have let in seven or more goals. In their last 10, they've given up 47. They need better team defense and steadier goaltending if they're going to get better.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 29 | 92 ANSWERS Oilers get two key reinforcements back from injury ahead of matchup vs. Kraken Who will win this game? | ||
| Oilers | 68 | 73.9 % |
| Kraken | 24 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||