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Morning, folks.
Big night tonight as the Edmonton Oilers look to build off their best twenty minutes of the season and back up their newfound — very newfound — dominance over the Montreal Canadiens. Puck drop slated for a shade after 8 PM MST. LFG.
Jujhar Khaira got his sternum rung last time out after what appeared to be a relatively routine body check that didn’t appear to be a headshot like we’ve come to know. Word is he “feels fine”, which is apparently how he felt after the last time he was knocked out on his feet about a month ago. When a guy gets hit in the chest and folds — and drools — like Khaira did there, I really find it hard to believe that that guy is “fine”. It sounds like they’ve got to hold him out to run a couple of tests, but I feel like if the club really had his best interests at heart that he’d be shut down until he was “perfect”.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is nearing a return and, pending clearance from the doctors this morning, might just slot back in tomorrow night. What does that mean for the top six? Might Josh Archibald, who was pretty good beside McDavid and Puljujarvi in the third on Monday, spell RNH there and allow him to give Leon Draisaitl’s line some help? Stay tuned.
With RNH’s return imminent, does Ryan McLeod get into a game before the end of the season? How about Evan Bouchard? It seems like the coach is starting to understand how unreliable Barrie is, and if you’re going to zoom someone you otherwise can’t play in crunch time, why wouldn’t that player be the best D prospect in organizational history instead of a mercenary who will be leaving for the highest bidder come summer?
Talk amongst yourselves, we’ll see you tonight.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
PODCAST SZN
— Copper & Blue (@CopperandBlue) April 19, 2021
EPISODE VII: The Force of Face Hits
Join our hosts as they talk RNH injury, McLeod's recall, shutting out the Jets, JP's ceiling, the week that was, the week that is, and the weeks that will be. LISTEN HERE or via your favorite platform NOW:https://t.co/kscFO1wZqc
Hot Links: Tuesday, April 20 (Copper and Blue)
Game Recap: Edmonton 4, Montreal 1 (Copper and Blue)
Nugent-Hopkins Almost Ready, Khaira Feeling Fine (ES)
Oilers Defenceman Ethan Bear Back To Old Self After Concussion Issues (ES)
Could Josh Archibald Stick With Connor McDavid? (ON)
How Likely Are Edmonton Oilers’ Youngsters Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard To See Game Action Down The Stretch? (EJ)
Carey Price Out At Least 1 Week For Canadiens With Concussion (CBC)
Tuesday’s Ten Thoughts… (ON)
Oilers Send Statement In Playoff-Style Victory (TOR)
A Playoff Primer (ON)
There Will Be Blood (LT)
Lowetide: An Early Look At Ideal Oilers’ Free-Agent Targets For The Offseason (TA)