Ahead of the crucial Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday, the Edmonton Oilers` lineup remains uncertain.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch hinted at potential adjustments but did not provide specific details when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet mentioned on radio Wednesday, “I`m not sure who is coming out, but I do think (Troy) Stecher is going to play.”
The Oilers are aiming to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series.
There is also uncertainty regarding Edmonton`s starting goaltender for Game 4. Stuart Skinner was pulled after allowing five goals on 23 shots in the 6-1 loss in Game 3. Knoblauch did not confirm if Calvin Pickard would start.
Meanwhile, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins` availability for Game 4 is a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury. The Oilers forward was also a game-time decision before Game 3 but ultimately played 15:34.
Nugent-Hopkins missed practice on Tuesday for what the team termed a “maintenance day.”
The 32-year-old continues to be a valuable contributor for the Oilers in the playoffs, tallying five goals and 18 points in 19 games this postseason. Last season, during the Oilers` run to the Cup Final, he recorded seven goals and 22 points.
The Florida Panthers hold a 2-1 series lead following their decisive victory in Game 3.
