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The Edmonton Oilers are set for Game 1 of the Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night, and head coach Jay Woodcroft dropped a series of key injury updates ahead of the clash. Forwards Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have all been dealing with injuries and didn't skate at practice earlier in the week. Woodcroft revealed that all of them are expected to suit up for Game 1 against the Flames, via Daniel Nugent-Bowman.
“Everyone who didn’t skate is available.” — Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft on Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane. He decided to borrow a line from Flames counterpart Darryl Sutter.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) May 17, 2022
Woodcroft pulled a quote out of Flames coach Darryl Sutter's book with his response, stating that “everyone who didn't skate is available.”
Draisaitl has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that was clearly slowing him down during the final two games of the first-round series against the Kings. Draisaitl was the Oilers' leading scorer and second-leading points-getter during the regular season, but struggled to make as big of an impact late in the series against LA. Fortunately, it seems he won't be forced to miss any time against Calgary, which hopefully indicates he's near 100% strength.
It's unclear whether an injury caused Evander Kane's absence from the morning skate session on Tuesday, but it's certainly a good sign that the forward will be available in the Battle of Alberta. Kane had a sensational first-round series against the Kings, registering 9 points in the seven-game series. He was a force to be reckoned with all series long, recording 7 goals, 2 assists, and 34 shots on goal. Additionally, he was laying down the hammer with 32 hits in the series.
Woodcroft doesn't seem worried about the absences from the Tuesday morning skate and indicated that Edmonton will have all of its key players available to go for the series opener on Wednesday.
