Oilers clinch playoff spot, but lose two key players
The Edmonton Oilers are heading to the post-season for a sixth year in a row. What players will be available for Game 1 remains a big question. Edmonton clinched a playoff spot Friday with a 4-2 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks. But earlier in the game, Edmonton lost defenceman Mattias Ekholm and forward Zach Hyman to injuries. Ekholm left early in the first period, appearing to aggravate an injury after just two shifts. One period later, Hyman exited after he appeared to be clipped by Henry Thrun. Both were ruled out in the second intermission. The Oilers already were missing Leon Draisaitl, Jake Walman, Trent Frederic and Evander Kane. Evan Bouchard, Ty Emberson, Corey Perry and Connor Brown scored for the Oilers on Friday, while Connor McDavid had four assists. The Oilers sit third in the Pacific Division and appear headed toward a fourth consecutive opening-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. Edmonton made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year before losing to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers are the fourth Canadian team to clinch a playoff spot, following the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. The Montreal Canadiens could become the fifth on Saturday, while the Calgary Flames also remain alive.
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The Edmonton Oilers are heading to the post-season for a sixth year in a row.
What players will be available for Game 1 remains a big question.
Edmonton clinched a playoff spot Friday with a 4-2 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks.
But earlier in the game, Edmonton lost defenceman Mattias Ekholm and forward Zach Hyman to injuries.
Ekholm left early in the first period, appearing to aggravate an injury after just two shifts. One period later, Hyman exited after he appeared to be clipped by Henry Thrun. Both were ruled out in the second intermission.
The Oilers already were missing Leon Draisaitl, Jake Walman, Trent Frederic and Evander Kane.
Evan Bouchard, Ty Emberson, Corey Perry and Connor Brown scored for the Oilers on Friday, while Connor McDavid had four assists.
The Oilers sit third in the Pacific Division and appear headed toward a fourth consecutive opening-round series against the Los Angeles Kings.
Edmonton made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year before losing to the Florida Panthers.
The Oilers are the fourth Canadian team to clinch a playoff spot, following the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.
The Montreal Canadiens could become the fifth on Saturday, while the Calgary Flames also remain alive.
