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Analyst hints some Oilers may be game-time decisions with injury
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
17 games into a postseason push, the Edmonton Oilers have remained remarkably healthy outside missing Zach Hyman - but that could begin to change this series.
Connor Brown was initially listed as a game time decision for Game 1 of the series, and thankfully was able to play. However, there could be more game time decisions coming in the future.
Oilers analyst hints some game time decisions could be possible for Edmonton in Game 2, later in series
Oilers analyst Alan Mitchell shared some concerns for game time decisions being kept close to the vest by coach Kris Knoblauch, suggesting a fully healthy lineup may be a 50/50 shot.
We're going to find out about health today. An absolute win would be all Oilers dressed for Game 1 are part of the Game 2 action.
- Alan Mitchell
- Alan Mitchell
This deep into a playoff push, most players are playing through more than bumps and bruises. The Oilers have helped themselves out as much as possible by playing only 10 games in the second and third rounds, but injuries in the playoffs are inevitable.
The one player the Oilers may have some concern for especially is defenceman Jake Walman. In Game 1, Walman was fearlessly blocking shots and engaging the Panthers physically. He was seen to be in serious pain on the bench more than a few times.
Walman has been a perfect addition for the Oilers as a slick two way defender, and was a standout presence in Game 1. Hopefully he's ready to play through the pain and stick in every game this series.
Even if he isn't ready to play, the Oilers' depth has already been tested by the Ekholm injury. The Oilers would miss Walman, but will be just fine inserting Stecher if needed.
Florida Panthers will try to physically wear down Oilers defence
It's certainly a strategy of the Panthers to physically wear down their opponents at every opportunity. The Oilers need to be ready to withstand a barrage of hits again in game 2.
If the Edmonton Oilers can stay healthy and bag another win in Game 2, they'll put themselves in an incredible position to finally win their first Stanley Cup in the Connor McDavid era.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 772 ANSWERS Analyst hints some Oilers may be game-time decisions with injury Do you think Walman sustained an injury during Game 1? | ||
| Yes, he was in pain | 432 | 56 % |
| No, just a stinger | 340 | 44 % |
| List of polls | ||
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