As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a pivotal Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday, much is yet to be determined in terms of their lineup.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch hinted there could be changes coming but was not forthcoming with details when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday.
The Oilers are looking to avoid a 3-1 series deficit.
There are questions about who will start in net for Edmonton in Game 4 — Stuart Skinner was pulled from the Oilers’ 6-1 Game 3 loss after giving up five goals on 23 shots — but Knoblauch did not confirm if he’d swap in Calvin Pickard to start.
Meanwhile, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been listed as a game-time decision ahead of Game 4 due to an undisclosed injury. The Oilers forward was also listed as a game-time decision ahead of Game 3, but ultimately suited up and logged 15:34 of ice time.
Nugent-Hopkins missed Tuesday’s practice for what the team called a maintenance day.
The 32-year-old continues to bring valuable production for the Oilers in the playoffs, scoring five goals and 18 points in 19 games. Last season, he posted seven goals and 22 points during the Oilers’ run to the Cup Final.
The Panthers hold a 2-1 series lead after their convincing victory in Game 3. You can catch Game 4 on Thursday on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
