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Edmonton Oilers (33-23-7) 3rd, Pacific vs
Winnipeg Jets (33-27-6) 5th Pacific
29 February 2020
Rogers Place
8 PM MST
TV: CBC
Radio: 630 CHED
SB Nation Opponent: Arctic Ice Hockey
The Oilers are jammed in the standings alongside the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames. The Canucks and Oilers both have 74 points, but the Canucks enjoy a game in hand. They’re playin’ the Maple Leafs tonight. The Flames are right below the Oilers with 73, but the Oilers enjoy a game in hand on the Flames. Calgary lost to the Lightning today. The Jets? They’ve played two more games than the Oilers in the Central Division and are even more desperate than the Oilers for two points tonight.
What does it all mean? The Oilers need to win, preferably in regulation. A shootout wouldn’t be the end of the world, but the Oilers need two points. Ready?
THE LINE JUMBLER
Just had a flashback to when MacT used to put J.F. Jacques on the top line with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky. Shivers.
OK, what’s going on out there?
Yamamoto not ready yet. Won’t play. Russell May be ready according to Tippett.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 29, 2020
That’s a bummer. Yamamoto was a full participant in practice yesterday, and I’m raring to get the 93/29/56 line going full speed. Yamamoto has 21 points in 21 games this season, and from a purely selfish point of view I’d like to see some more.
The #Oilers have activated defenceman Kris Russell from Injured Reserve & placed forward Joakim Nygard on Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/TtADdgiYwK
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 29, 2020
In an almost equally surprising move, Kris Russell has been activated from the IR and may draw in tonight. From the sounds of things yesterday, you would have thought that Yamamoto would have been in and that Russell would have needed some more time. Caleb Jones will likely go if Russell is unable.
#NHLJets coach Paul Maurice confirms Patrik Laine and Josh Morrissey both won't play tonight here in Edmonton. Said both are considered day-to-day. Logan Shaw comes back into the lineup. Hellebuyck in net. #wfp
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) February 29, 2020
The Oilers top line of Andrea Athanasiou, Connor McDavid and Tyler Ennis should get a bump without Josh Morrissey in the lineup. The Oilers are still missing Oscar Klefbom, but they won’t have to contend with sniper Patrik Laine in the top 6.
Oilers need two points tonight.