On this version of Edmonton Oilers Fast Hits, I’ll have a look at some information rising from the Oilers group. I’ll additionally assess how Jeff Skinner and John Klingberg performed in final evening’s loss to the Detroit Crimson Wings.
Fast Hit One: Sickness Is Circulating within the Oilers Locker Room
It seems to be like one thing’s going across the Edmonton Oilers locker room. Attributable to sickness, John Klingberg and Mattias Ekholm had been sidelined for Friday’s follow. Klingberg made his Oilers debut in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Detroit Crimson Wings. Nevertheless, whether or not he can play in Saturday’s dwelling matchup in opposition to the Toronto Maple Leafs remains to be up within the air.
In the meantime, as a result of sickness, Ekholm wasn’t speculated to go in Thursday’s sport. Nevertheless, he gutted it out. Maybe he shouldn’t have. He missed Friday’s follow, and he, too, may not play on Saturday in opposition to the Maple Leafs. If neither of those blueliners can play, search for Troy Stecher to get the nod.
Fast Hit Two: Might Jeff Skinner’s Sturdy Exhibiting Get Him Extra Minutes?
Jeff Skinner might need simply delivered the sort of play that helps him get extra time on the ice and turn into a extra important a part of the Oilers lineup. In Thursday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Detroit Crimson Wings, Skinner scored one other purpose. That’s two video games in a row now.
This purpose, particularly, got here off a damaged play in entrance of the online, the place Skinner capitalized with a fast puck poke into the empty internet. Whereas it appeared like a easy purpose, Oilers head coach Knoblauch praised the previous 40-goal winger. He identified that Skinner received to the suitable spot. For Knoblauch, that ability usually goes unnoticed.
What stood out in Skinner’s sport wasn’t simply his offense however his defensive effort, as nicely. Though he’s recognized extra for scoring, Skinner confirmed off a robust backcheck. It’s an space of his sport some individuals miss. He additionally labored nicely with defenseman Evan Bouchard, slowing down the Crimson Wings’ assault and shortly transitioning the play again the opposite means. This well-rounded efficiency might assist Skinner earn a extra constant spot within the lineup.
Regardless of a sluggish begin to the season with simply 9 objectives and eight assists in 45 video games, Skinner’s current play suggests he could possibly be able to rebound. If he can proceed to play nicely, and everybody is aware of he has the expertise, his ice time might enhance. With Kasperi Kapanen additionally displaying some success, it doesn’t damage to have each as stable secondary scorers. The query is whether or not Skinner can sustain this degree of play. If he can, he’ll discover his function increasing because the Oilers head towards the postseason.
Fast Hit Three: Grading John Klingberg’s First Oilers’ Sport
Many followers (together with me) had been anxious to see how John Klingberg’s debut in an Oilers sweater went. Thursday evening actually had its share of intrigue. Given his current damage historical past, a number of key questions should be answered. They nonetheless do. But, up to now so good.
Klingberg grew to become a star in Dallas as a result of he might (1) transfer the puck and (2) put up factors. Maybe these days are lengthy gone after hip surgical procedures and an extended layoff. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see how a veteran participant negotiates adversarial adjustments in his sport. The physique may not be what it was, however tons of game-time expertise provides a participant a modicum of on-ice intelligence.
What would he carry to the Oilers? He has the potential to be a low-risk, high-reward man. However how might his “new” hips maintain up?

In his first sport since November 2023, Klingberg performed 16:39 of ice time. In that point, he put one shot on purpose and posted a -1 score. It was his first sport in 14 months, and he was rusty however not horrible. Klingberg can nonetheless transfer the puck up the ice, and that’s precisely what the Oilers need him to do. With a month to get him on top of things earlier than the commerce deadline, the Oilers can now decide if Klingberg is the suitable match for his or her blueline shifting ahead.
It’s nonetheless onerous to know, however he didn’t disappoint. If Klingberg stays wholesome and finds his sport, he could possibly be a pleasant addition to the Oilers’ lineup.
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