Oilers' Knoblauch juggles lines, updates injuries to McDavid and Kane
This morning's Oilers practice saw a very welcome sight when Connor McDavid dawned a regular jersey and participated in line rushes. McDavid looks like he'll re-enter the lineup tonight, but Evander Kane will now come out.
McDavid has been out of the Oilers lineup since sustaining a minor lower body injury last Saturday night against the Calgary Flames. Fans spotted McDavid taking a couple falls which could have lead to the injury, but there were never huge concerns about his injury. If it were already the playoffs, there'd be no doubt McDavid would be in the lineup. Still, it's a welcome sight to see him back at practice preparing for tonight's game, and perhaps notching his 100th assist.
While the Oilers got good news on the McDavid injury front, it seems like something may have flared up for Evander Kane. He was absent from practice today, and has reportedly dealt with a myriad of nagging injuries this year that have clearly affected his play. Kane will likely take a few maintenance days in this final week of the season to rest up before the playoffs. In his absence, Coach Knoblauch took an opportunity to mix up the lines again, this time seeing Adam Henrique on the first line, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the second.
Though he hasn't played his best hockey this year, all will be forgiven if Kane can elevate his game at this time of year. There's signs of him turning it around, as Kane now has 3 goals and 5 points in his last 5 games.
| POLL | ||
Do you think McDavid will record his 100th assist in his first game back from injury? | ||
| Yes | 158 | 91.3 % |
| No | 10 | 5.8 % |
| See Results | 5 | 2.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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