Oilers’ Adam Henrique ruled out for Game 2

The Edmonton Oilers will be without Adam Henrique for Game 2 of their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed that the veteran centre would be unavailable for the second game after being hurt late in the first period of Game 1.

“He will be unavailable tomorrow,” he said Tuesday. “We’re not sure how long, but he will not be available.”

Henrique was hurt after getting tangled up in front of the Oilers’ net, leaving the game under a “questionable” tag, but he wouldn’t return. Now, the team will look for someone to step up to fill the hole on the Oilers’ fourth line, and Knoblauch will tap into one of Josh Samanski or Curtis Lazar to do so.

“It was tough taking those guys out, and now, during the playoffs there’s going to be a lot more injuries and guys are banged up,” said Knoblauch. “Whether you want a different look or some different chemistry with a line, you knew there was going to be some lineup changes.

“It came a little bit sooner than we liked with an injury, but we’ve got some guys who are very capable to set in that lineup and contribute. We’ve got good options.”

Samanski could have the inside track to returning to the lineup, as he played 40 minutes at five-on-five with Colton Dach and Trent Frederic, Henrique’s Game 1 wingers, down the stretch run of the regular season.

Those three controlled 54 per cent of the shot attempt share, 62.5 per cent of the expected goal share, and 55.6 per cent of the high-danger scoring chance share, while outscoring the opposition 3-1. Lazar, meanwhile, offers the Oilers a right-shot centre who won a staggering 61.2 per cent of his faceoffs this season.

Knoblauch wasn’t ready to name one or the other as Henrique’s replacement.

“One, Samanski (could add) a little bit more speed to our lineup, and was playing pretty well at the end of the season with Dach and Frederic,” he said. “Lazar gives you maybe a bit more aggressiveness, a little more physicality, and that’s important in the playoffs.

“He also gives you a little more options on the faceoffs on that right side. We’ve got a lot of left-handed centremen who are pretty good on their strong-side. It makes it a little more difficult when they’re on their forehands, but Lazar gives you that option. I think those two guys are great options and it’s nice to have good players at your disposal.”

Wednesday’s morning skate ahead will give a closer look as to who will draw in for an important Game 2.