HIGHLIGHTS
- Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch confirms Evander Kane will miss Game 1 against the Kings
- Multiple key players including Ekholm and Stecher are also sidelined for Edmonton
- Read below for details on Kane’s potential timeline and the Oilers’ playoff outlook
Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Sunday that Evander Kane won’t play in the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff opener against the Los Angeles Kings.
Kane has been out all season recovering from sports hernia and knee surgeries. He was hoping to return, but just isn’t ready yet.
The Oilers face their familiar playoff foes with several key players sidelined. Both Mattias Ekholm and Troy Stecher will miss Game 1 on defense. Forward Trent Frederic remains questionable as the team lists him day-to-day.
There is some good news on the blue line, though. Brett Kulak missed Sunday’s practice, sparking injury worries among fans. Turns out he’s in Canmore, Alberta awaiting his second child’s birth. He should be back in time for the series opener in Los Angeles.
Kane’s playoff experience will be sorely missed. The veteran forward scored 13 goals with 4 assists in 15 playoff games two seasons ago. He added 8 points in 20 games during last year’s playoff run.
The Kings have home-ice advantage, but Edmonton enters as favorites. The superstar pairing of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl gives the Oilers the edge. Edmonton has knocked out Los Angeles in each of their last three playoff matchups.
When will Kane return? Knoblauch hopes he can eventually fill a top-six role but didn’t give a timeline. “We’re taking a cautious approach,” the coach told reporters on Sunday.
