BREAKING: Evander Kane questionable to play in Oilers game tonight

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Liam McCormick
January 18, 2024 (11:12)

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The Edmonton Oilers held a morning skate ahead of their game against the Seattle Kraken tonight, and Coach Knoblauch revealed a slew of lineup changes incoming. Most notably, Evander Kane seems to be a game time decision dealing with a hand injury.

Kane has been reported to be dealing with a nagging groin injury before the Christmas break this season, and now hearing that he's also dealing with something to his hand is extremely concerning. In his last 18 games, Kane has only 3 goals and 5 points, and noticeably isn't the explosive power forward he usually is. After Kane was promoted to the second line against Toronto, Knoblauch and the fans seemed hopeful that Kane could get a boost and find his game. Instead, it looks like he's hit another setback.

According to layer report from Tom Gazzola, Coach Knoblauch confirmed that Kane will take warmup and be a game-time decision.

Along with the bad news of Kane comes good news about fan favourite Sam Gagner, who will make his return to the lineup tonight after missing the last ten games. Erne will draw out of the lineup for Gagner, who will provide the Oilers a much more skilled look in their bottom six. However, if Kane does draw out of the lineup tonight, Erne will be back in as well.

Regardless of who's in or out of the lineup tonight, the Oilers should be able to keep their winning streak alive against the Seattle Kraken. Before recently putting together a nine game win streak of their own, the Kraken's expansion franchise boost has seemed to fallen off and the team is looking like an outsider for the playoffs. With Skinner also announced as the Oilers starting goalie, Edmonton should be able to take this one tonight, with or without Kane.