The Edmonton Oilers are currently tied atop the Pacific Division with the Anaheim Ducks with 87 points. With only five games remaining in the regular season, every point earned will prove to be crucial. That made the news of veteran Zach Hyman’s injury a tough blow.
On Monday, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch shed some light on Hyman’s injury timeline.
“Hyman, I would think he’s going to play one, if not two games, before the end of this season,” Knoblauch said, per NHL.com. “So, this week he’s out and not playing.”
That ought to be a sigh of relief for Edmonton fans.
The 33-year-old left winger had been playing through a nagging injury. During Saturday morning’s skate, Knoblaugh shared that Hyman’s injury was not getting better. The organization felt it prudent to get him additional rest with the playoffs nearing.
Hyman has 31 goals and 20 assists for 51 points this season. That ranks third and fifth on the club, respectively. If Edmonton has any hope of regaining the past season’s form and making a run at the Cup, Hyman’s presence will be needed.
The fact that they feel comfortable with Hyman taking the ice before the end of the regular season is a great sign.
The Vegas Golden Knights are one point back of the Oilers in the Pacific. The Los Angeles Kings are four points back. An ill-timed losing streak could not only cost Edmonton the division, but send the team into Wild Card positioning.
Edmonton will finish the season with a favorable schedule against the Utah Mammoth, San Jose Sharks, LA Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and Vancouver Canucks.
The Oilers are looking to become just the third franchise in NHL history to reach three straight Stanley Cup Finals more than once (Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings).
The Edmonton Oilers are currently tied atop the Pacific Division with the Anaheim Ducks with 87 points. With only five games remaining in the regular season, every point earned will prove to be crucial. That made the news of veteran Zach Hyman’s injury a tough blow. On Monday, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch shed some light on Hyman’s injury timeline.