Today, the Edmonton Oilers reconvened for their first morning skate and practice of the New Year, but still carried over some of their injury problems from last year.
Neither Dylan Holloway or fan-favourite Sam Gagner made an appearance with the lines today at practice, indicating that they'll miss at least tonight's game as well. After the practice, coach Knoblauch confirmed the absence of both players, and provided a timeline for their return.
It's encouraging to hear both Gagner and Holloway could make their way back into games as early as this weekend. Both players have high ceilings to provide depth scoring down the lineup, adding to an already potent Oilers' offence. Gagner particularly has had great success early this year for a fourth liner, recording 4 goals and 9 points in 18 games.
With the two injured players still out, the Oilers look like they'll employ the same lines as their last game tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. Evander Kane remains down on the third line as he's struggled with a nagging injury, and Connor Brown is returned to the fourth line with Raphael Lavoie being sent back to the AHL.
