Star Oilers forward misses practice, will be game time decision

Earlier today, the Oilers took the ice for practice ahead of their home game against the Boston Bruins tonight. Notably, forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was absent from practice.

In Nuge's absence, Warren Foegele has been elevated to the top line, and Ryan McLeod has joined the second line. Dylan Holloway will center the third line, and both Gagner and Brown will return to the lineup. Later, it was reported that Nugent-Hopkins is battling an illness, and will be a game time decision for tonight.




Against the feared Boston Bruins, the Oilers will be tested without a glue-type player like Nugent-Hopkins. In this situation, we could potentially see coach Knoblauch give Leon Draisaitl some shifts with McDavid throughout the game, especially if the Oilers are down a goal.

The Bruins themselves have been on a bit of a skid lately after surprising the league once again by an incredible start to this season despite losing core players. They're now just 1-4 in their last five games, and it looks like the tires may finally be falling off the Bruins wagon. Even if they're missing Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers should be able to take care of business tonight.