Line-up Notes: Oilers at Coyotes - Nilsson Gets the Start. Oilers to Dress Seven Defencemen.

Nilsson Gets the Start

Anders Nilsson will see his first action of 2016 tonight as he starts his first game since being pulled against the Flames on December 27th. Nilsson has seen action since that start though, playing 34 minutes against the Los Angeles Kings two nights after the Calgary game when Cam Talbot was pulled. In the five games since Talbot has started and finished every game for the Oilers.

Anders Nilsson first off the ice at morning skate. #EDMvsARI

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 12, 2016

Oilers Will Dress Seven Defencemen

With Matt Hendricks serving the first of his three game suspension the Oilers will dress seven defencemen tonight because Nail Yakupov isn't quite ready to go; maybe on Thursday in San Jose. Interestingly the Oilers' roster lists 12 healthy forwards but the coaches would apparently prefer to dress seven d-men - Brad Hunt returns after a one game absence - than Luke Gazdic, who hasn't dressed since New Year's Eve against Anaheim.

Coach McLellan says Yakupov is not quite ready to return tonight, probable for Thurs in San Jose. #Oilers to dress seven D. #EDMvsARI

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 12, 2016