We are back.
Four months ago I wrote a parody blog about the Oilers facing off against the Islanders. It was the first game that the Oilers missed due to the season suspension. I drew a picture on that blog as a space filler. This was it:
How far we have come.
Edmonton is officially a hub city for the NHL Playoffs and on August 1st the Oilers will face off against the Blackhawks in what is sure to be an exciting bout.
We have official times for at least the first 3 games: Saturday August 1st: 1PM Monday August 3rd: 8:30PM Wednesday August 5th: 8:30PM
We also officially have our training camp roster that will come out onto the ice on Monday.
FORWARDS
Josh Archibald Andreas Athanasiou Tyler Benson Alex Chiasson Leon Draisaitl Gaetan Haas Tyler Ennis Zack Kassian Jujhar Khaira Cooper Marody Connor McDavid Ryan McLeod James Neal Ryan Nugent Hopkins Joakim Nygard Patrick Russell Riley Sheahan Kailer Yamamoto
DEFENSE Ethan Bear Matt Benning Evan Bouchard Philip Broberg Caleb Jones Oscar Klefbom William Lagesson Adam Larsson Darnell Nurse Kris Russell
GOALTENDERS
Mikko Koskinen Oliver Rodrigue Stuart Skinner Mike Smith Dylan Wells
The players I placed in italics are the the players I expect won't get a sniff of ice-time barring horrendous injuries. With Mike Green now out, there is a chance that Evan Bouchard could see play. Some of the Oilers beat writers have suggested that Broberg could see some action but a playoff series is the wrong time to introduce a rookie, especially a rookie that doesn't play on North American ice.
Looking forward to discussing lines and more details on Monday, until then thanks for reading!