The Edmonton Oilers might be missing one of their significant offensive players for the third game of the Stanley Cup Final series against the Florida Panthers, scheduled for Monday.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch informed reporters on Sunday that center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins` availability for the crucial upcoming match is uncertain; he is listed as a game-time decision due to an unspecified injury.
Despite the current doubt, the Oilers` coach indicated that he believes the 32-year-old veteran will likely play. Nugent-Hopkins did not participate in Edmonton`s practice session on Sunday morning, with Jeff Skinner taking his spot on the team`s top forward line.
Nugent-Hopkins has been a reliable and consistent presence for the Oilers throughout their playoff run, having played in every game leading up to this point. Across 18 post-season appearances, his offensive production of 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) places him fourth on the team. His plus-minus rating of plus-6 is the fifth highest, and his three power-play goals rank third.
The player, who was the first overall selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, also had a solid regular season performance, contributing 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) over 78 games played.
While Nugent-Hopkins has yet to record any points in the initial two games of the Final series, he did not miss a single shift during Edmonton`s double overtime defeat to Florida in Game 2.
The Oilers and Panthers are set to compete in Game 3 on Monday, with the series currently tied at one game apiece. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT.
