A tile falls on the heads of the Oilers and Connor McDavid in the Finals

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David St-Jean
June 23, 2024 (5:37 PM)

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The Oilers are on the brink of achieving something only done once in NHL history-coming back from a 0-3 deficit to win the Stanley Cup in the final series.

To accomplish this, they'll need the help of all their key players, starting with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Besides #97, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who was the first overall pick in 2011, has also been performing well in the playoffs. Unfortunately, he was notably absent from practice.

We have some details, and it doesn't look good. RNH is sick and really not feeling well. His availability for Monday is uncertain.

"Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did not come to the rink today. Under the weather.
Kane takes his spot at practice." - Mark Spector, Sportsnet

Needless to say, his loss would be significant, but the decision is understandable. If he gets everyone else in the locker room sick, the Oilers are no better off.

Nonetheless, I personally expect him to be in his position for Monday night's game. It's the most important game of his career, and he won't want to miss it for anything.

If he makes his teammates sick, it's not that dramatic because, win or lose, it will be their last game of the season.

In the meantime, here's the practice lineup:

Kane - McDavid - Hyman*

Foegele - Draisaitl - Holloway

Janmark - Henrique - Brown

McLeod - Ryan - Perry

Ekholm - Bouchard

Nurse - Broberg

Kulak - Ceci

Skinner

Pickard