Moments ago the Edmonton Oilers took to the ice for practice before facing the New York Rangers, naming Stuart Skinner as their starting goalie and revealing their lines.
The Oilers will reportedly use the same lines as their last game, which sounds like fantastic news for Zach Hyman in particular - who appeared to sustain a serious injury last game.
According to the most recent updates from Oilers reporters at practice, Stuart Skinner has been named the starter and the only minor change will be Janmark sliding to center over Kasperi Kapanen.
There's a few reasons why even this usual expected lineup today is significant. The biggest one is the Oilers turning back to their starter Stuart Skinner, after some debate was raised that Calvin Pickard could get another opportunity.
Pickard was fantastic in his last game, and Skinner has struggled. Thankfully for the Oilers, they'll be facing Jonathan Quick today, instead of Igor Shesterkin.
With Zach Hyman still healthy enough to be in the Oilers expected lineup, Edmonton won't have to make a roster move to call up another forward. Coach Knoblauch revealed Hyman is a game time decision, but was a full participant in practice.
As news of Hyman's injury was debated yesterday, reports surfaced that the Oilers were considering a call up for Derek Ryan.
Perhaps the Oilers still find a way to make it happen, because it seems like the team really does want its 38 year old 4th line center back - for faceoffs and the locker room.
The Oilers will have a decent test against the Rangers today, and will be looking to build some momentum off their gutsy win last time out against the Islanders.
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