The Edmonton Oilers could be without one of their most productive forwards for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers on Monday.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Sunday that centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is listed as a game-time decision for the pivotal contest due to an undisclosed injury.
The Oilers’ bench boss added that he believes the 32-year-old will ultimately suit up despite the current uncertainty. Nugent-Hopkins did not participate in Edmonton’s morning skate on Sunday, Jeff Skinner taking his place on the team’s top line.
Nugent-Hopkins has been a steady presence for the Oilers throughout the post-season, not having missed a game to this point. Through 18 playoff appearances, his 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) rank fourth on the team, his plus-6 mark ranks fifth, and his three power-play goals are third.
The former first overall pick in 2011 was plenty productive throughout the regular season as well, posting 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) through 78 games.
Nugent-Hopkins has yet to record a point through the first two games of the Cup Final, but didn’t miss a single shift in Edmonton’s double OT loss to Florida in Game 2.
The Oilers and Panthers get set for Game 3 with the series tied 1-1 on Monday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.
