Oilers Get Injury Update on Viktor Arvidsson, Reveal Lineup For Game Against Florida Panthers
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers took the ice for practice ahead of tonight's game Cup Final Rematch game against the Florida Panthers, this time with injured forward Viktor Arvidsson on the ice.
Viktor Arvidsson was initially listed as a game time decision, then went on to miss 14 games with an undisclosed injury and landed on the Injured Reserve.
It doesn't look like Arvidsson will actually play tonight against the Panthers, especially considering it's his first practice with the team in over a month. Evan Bouchard was absent from practice, and Arvidsson filled in.
Given that the Oilers are using a placeholder for Bouchard's spot instead of moving up another defender, it seems Bouchard will still play tonight. Stuart Skinner will be the starting goaltender for Edmonton.
Viktor Arvidsson Returns to Oilers Practice, Lineups Revealed for Tonight's Game Against Panthers
After missing so much time with such little information on his injury, it's great news to finally see Arvidsson back at practice.
Arvidsson has rarely played close to a full season in his 11 year career, so many fans have had the concerns of an injury prone player. However, he also comes with a history of being a consistent offensive player.
So far this season, the offence hasn't come. Arvidsson only has only 2 goals in 16 games this season, but he has plenty of time to come back and boost the secondary scoring for the Oilers.
Evan Bouchard took an awkward hit from Ryan Hartman when the Oilers played the Wild and was listed as a game-time decision the next game, so reporter Tony Brar believes he's just taking some time off the rink to rest up.
Tonight's game against the Florida Panthers will be a major test against one of the league's top teams, with the added rivalry from last year's Cup Final.
The Oilers should be fully motivated to dig in, and give their best effort tonight to beat the demons from last year's gutting loss.
More details and analysis to come.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 167 ANSWERS Oilers Get Injury Update on Viktor Arvidsson, Reveal Lineup For Game Against Florida Panthers Do you think the Edmonton Oilers will beat the Florida Panthers tonight? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 54.5 % |
| No | 67 | 40.1 % |
| See Results | 9 | 5.4 % |
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