Evander Kane making significant change in response to demotion and recent struggles

At the beginning of last night's Oilers game against the Ottawa Senators, some reporters noticed Evander Kane making a significant personal change in the ice.

Kane has been struggling in recent weeks while clearly dealing with a nagging groin injury, and his play has suffered with just 3 goals and 4 points in his last 14 games which has led to a demotion to the third line.

Clearly, Kane was looking to make an adjustment to his feel and routine in the ice with a different stick than his usual. TSN's Ryan Rishaug noticed it first, and Tony Brar confirmed it.




Hockey players are created of habit and need a tight routine to have success, so even changing to a different stick in a game is a major leap for Kane. He clearly sees his current offensive struggles, and is hoping the change to a different stick could jump start his game. After being demoted to the third line and being mired in a scoring slump, the change is necessary.

On the team's California road trip after Christmas, Kane missed a game against the Ducks with the injury that's held him out of practice and is clearly affecting his play.


When Evander Kane is playing at full strength, he can be a catalyst to the Oilers winning games. Being one of the league's best power forwards, Kane can bring offensive contributions while also playing a fast and punishing physical game. He's clearly dealing with a nagging injury that's affecting the power in his game, and at this point, it's becoming clear he needs time off to truly heal instead of playing through this injury. With the Oilers now back in a playoff spot, maybe they'll have the luxury to allow Kane to rest for a few games.