Oilers coach Knoblauch provides update on Cody Ceci out with illness
Ahead of today's game against the St. Louis Blues, Oilers coach Knoblauch reported that the team will get a boost to the defence as Cody Ceci will return after missing a game due to illness.
Ceci was made a late scratch on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks, only revealing moments before the game that he would be out with the illness. In his place, newly acquired Troy Stecher stayed in the lineup and continued to impress as the team's seventh defenceman. Due to numerous injuries and illnesses, Stecher has found a way to get consistent playing time in the Oilers lineup, and his play has been so encouraging that some fans could see him making a significant impact in the playoffs, when defensive depth is always tested. The Stecher trade may actually turn out to be the best value move the Oilers made at the deadline.
Notably at practice today, Knoblauch didn't get the team going in any line rushes, so the combinations for tonight's game will be unknown until warmups - the only change known is that Corey Perry will move to the top-six, and Warren Foegele will be bumped below the second line. It's not known why the Oilers didn't take line rushes, but most likely just the team taking an easier practice towards the end of the long grind of the season.
The Edmonton Oilers will play the St. Louis Blues tonight on the road with puck drop set for 7:00. A win will inch them just closer to an official playoff berth, which is currently just 6 points away. Let's go Oilers!
| POLL | ||
With Ceci recovering from illness, should Knoblauch find a way to keep Stecher in the lineup? | ||
| Yes, Stecher is good, needs to play | 105 | 80.8 % |
| No, go with the regular pairings | 22 | 16.9 % |
| See Results | 3 | 2.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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