Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ status for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final was concerning for Edmonton Oilers fans when he missed practice on Sunday. Nugent-Hopkins took part in an optional morning skate on Monday morning, but Kris Knoblauch revealed that he will be a game-time decision for Monday night.
The veteran is a key part of the Oilers’ forward group, and losing him for any length of time will be a hit to their top-six. Nugent-Hopkins will participate in the pre-game warm-up, and he, along with Edmonton’s medical staff, will determine his status at that time.
Jeff Skinner will also participate in the warm-up and will be his replacement.
Nugent-Hopkins has been starting games on Connor McDavid’s wing, along with Corey Perry. Knoblauch has been using the trio to spread the offense throughout the lineup, before reuniting Leon Draisaitl and McDavid when the game goes down to the wire.
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Nugent-Hopkins is essential to that plan, as he can shift to center on the second line. Skinner doesn’t give them that option.
While McDavid and Draisaitl have been taking much of the attention, Nugent-Hopkins has quietly recorded a point-per-game with five goals and 13 assists. He is on pace to match his total from last year, when he contributed 22 points in 25 games in the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the final.
It’ll be challenging for the Oilers to avenge last year’s Game 7 loss without a healthy Nugent-Hopkins in the lineup. It’ll be the ultimate test for Edmonton’s newfound scoring depth to get the job done without him.
