Star Oilers Forward Misses Morning Practice, Kris Knoblauch Provides Worrying Update

After dropping Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals at home in overtime against the Florida Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers now hit the road for Game's 3 and 4, facing pivotal games against the defending Champions.

Unfortunately, the latest update on the health of the Oilers roster isn't a good one, as reports have surfaced out of Oilers camp that star forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has missed practice on Sunday, which isn't a good sign at this time of year.

Hopefully for Edmonton, this is just a day off that helps him get extra rest and get healed, but the signs are great for his status moving forward in the series, with the Oilers not being able to afford another injury after Zach Hyman went down for the playoffs in recent times.

Now, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has been asked about his availability for Game 3 on Monday night, stating that he thinks RNH will be available, but at this point in time, it's a game-time decision for the veteran.

In 18 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs thus far, Nugent-Hopkins has tallied 5 goals and 18 points, ranking fourth on the team in points, so while it's their top three stars that get all the praise, RNH has been consistently contributing at a very high level.

We will know more about the star forward's status ahead of Game 3 on Monday, but for now, it must be worrying for the Oilers, and while they've got Jeff Skinner as a potential replacement, the hope is that RNH can battle through and take to the ice for what may be the most important game of the series.