Oilers Rest More Players Than Expected

Caleb Kerney

Apr 19, 2024, 01:38

Caleb Kerney

Apr 19, 2024, 01:38

Kris Knoblauch is resting a lot of players for the final game of the year against the Colorado Avalanche.

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports - Oilers Rest More Players Than Expected

EDMONTON -- One final curtain.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONQWnEYh0Sg[/embed]

Tonight is the last night of the NHL regular season - headlined by the marquee matchup of the Edmonton Oilers against the Colorado Avalanche. They are fresh off of their 5-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes.

The Oilers find themselves in a unique situation. Tonight's game has no bearing on who they play in the playoffs. In fact - two other games will determine their first round opponent.

The Los Angeles Kings play the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Vegas Golden Knights play they Anaheim Ducks. If the Golden Knights win, the Oilers will play them in the first round. If they don't - things could get more complicated.

So with that in mind - it shouldn't be surprising that on the second half of a back-to-back to close out the year, Kris Knoblauch is electing to rest his top players.

According to Bob Stauffer - Knoblauch said that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm will not play tonight against the Avalanche.

It's clear from this decision that the focus is solely on resting players for the playoffs. With the post season potentially kicking off for the Oilers on Sunday or Monday, this feels like a wise decision.

Tonight will still be a good game to evaluate the players who are on the fringes - and the coaching staff assessing what exactly they have.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLCYJFh15o[/embed]

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