As the countdown approaches the Edmonton Oilers’ first game against the Anaheim Ducks in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, sources indicate positive news ahead of the puck drop at 7:00 p. m. PST.
After opting out of the Oilers’ optional morning skate on Monday morning, head coach Kris Knoblauch said there were “no updates” on star center Leon Draisaitl returning in Game 1, following Sunday’s practice.
“As we’ve previously stated, we anticipate him somewhere in this first round,” Knoblauch said. “Now (in) playoffs, it’s a little more secret as to what our lineups will be, and we’re not going to reveal who will be playing and what our lines will be exactly. ” You guys (the media) will have to conduct some study. You’ll have to wait to discover what our team looks like tonight. “
However, ESPN NHL insider Emily Kaplan revealed that her sources say Draisaitl is “expected to play after missing a month due to a lower body injury,” despite Knoblauch’s assertions.
Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl says he ‘feels great’ after Sunday’s workout.
The Edmonton Oilers experienced a significant defeat on March 15, when Leon Draisaitl suffered a lower body injury against the Nashville Predators. His injury occurred in the first quarter of the game, forcing the center to miss the final 14 games of the regular season.
Without Draisaitl, the Oilers finished the final stretch of the season with an 8-6 record, enabling the Vegas Golden Knights to sneak into first place in the Pacific Division.
As the Oilers prepare to play another division opponent in the first round, Draisaitl participated fully in his second straight session prior to Monday’s game. The 30-year-old made sure to inform followers about his emotions after training:
“I feel fine, we’ll see how it feels tomorrow and then make a decision from there,” Draisaitl told reporters following Sunday’s session. “It’s been good. ” Our team, which includes strength and conditioning coach Chad Drummond and assistant athletic therapist Chris Davie, has done an outstanding job of being patient with me and evaluating all aspects of the situation. So, I’m really grateful to those two, as well as everyone else who contributed to it.
TSN Edmonton reporter Ryan Rishaug said on X that Draisaitl’s decision to skip Monday’s morning practice was a “sign” that he would participate.
While the center didn’t explicitly say that he was ready for Game 1, his reply provided a glimmer of optimism.
“There are a lot of lonely days when you’re injured; guys are on the road, you’re sort of grinding by yourself,” Draisaitl said. “I’m glad with where it is right now, we’ll see how it changes, and I’ll tell you how I feel tomorrow. “
Edmonton Oilers Injury Report
While Leon Draisaitl is the most well-known player who is doubtful for the playoffs, Oilers winger Jason Dickinson is also on the injury list. Dickinson has been out since April 8 due to a leg injury sustained during a game against the San Jose Sharks.
Dickinson, like Draisaitl, fully participated in Sunday’s practice, but Kris Knoblauch made no indication that he would be playing in Game 1.
Despite Knoblauch’s ambiguous remarks, the Oilers’ expected lineup for their game against the Ducks is as follows:
Savoie, McDavid, and Hyman.
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Kapanen
Nugent-Hopkins, Dickinson, and Roslovic.
Dach, Henrique, and Frederic
Ekholm and Bouchard
Nurse – Murphy.
Walman & Emberson
Ingram
Jarry
