The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make their first western conference finals appearance this season since 2022. However, they will be without trade deadline acquisition Adam Henrique for game one of the second round according to head coach Kris Knoblauch.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the news just moments ago, revealing that the Oilers forward will be replaced by Connor Brown for game one against the Canucks tonight. The game will be in Vancouver at 7PM EST, making it a late night for fans on the east coast.
There had been some speculation about Henrique's status ahead of game one as he was not seen practicing with the team at their latest practice. However, Evander Kane was also not practicing and he appears to be in the lineup tonight. We can therefor assume that it was either a maintenance day for Kane or he is dealing with a more minor injury that he is capable of playing through.
The Canucks will enjoy home ice advantage for the series, but they will have a tough time stopping Connor McDavid and co, especially with third-string netminder Arturs Silvos in net. Be sure to tune in tonight to see how the series opener plays out.
