The Edmonton Oilers might be without one of their key offensive players for Monday`s Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch informed reporters on Sunday that forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins` status for the critical matchup is uncertain; he is listed as a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury.
The Oilers coach added that he believes the 32-year-old is likely to play despite the current ambiguity. Nugent-Hopkins did not participate in Edmonton`s morning skate on Sunday, with Jeff Skinner practicing in his spot on the top line.
Nugent-Hopkins has been a reliable contributor for the Oilers throughout the playoffs, having played in every game so far. Through 18 postseason appearances, he ranks fourth on the team with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists), fifth with a plus-6 rating, and third with three power-play goals.
The first overall pick from the 2011 draft also had a productive regular season, recording 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) over 78 games.
While Nugent-Hopkins has not registered a point in the first two games of the Final, he played his full complement of shifts in Edmonton`s double overtime loss to Florida in Game 2.
Game 3 between the Oilers and Panthers, with the series tied 1-1, is scheduled for Monday. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT.
Tristan Blackwood