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Edmonton Oilers' defenseman Darnell Nurse's playing time restricted following collision with Rodrigues
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    Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Darnell Nurse’s playing time restricted following collision with Rodrigues

    After losing forward Warren Foegele due to a game misconduct, the Edmonton Oilers had another player dealing with a different issue on Monday.

    Defenceman Darnell Nurse, 29, exited Game 2 in the first period after taking a hit from Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues, which looked to potentially injure his hip.

    Nurse returned to the bench later in the first but then exited again before the end of the period. His final shift in the first lasted just 13 seconds.

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    Nurse did return to the bench in the second period and then took a 28-second shift in the second half of the period.

    The defenceman was back on the ice for a 44-second shift early in the third and then a 50-second shift midway through the period.

    After a 4-1 loss, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch expressed optimism Nurse will be able to return for Game 3 on Thursday in Edmonton.

    “He’s getting looked at right now. He was on the bench. I think he will be good to play (in Game 3), but he’s getting looked at,” Knoblauch said.

    The Hamilton native entered Monday’s game with three assists over 19 games in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Across 66 regular-season games, Nurse recorded two goals and 16 assists for a total of 18 points.

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    Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Darnell Nurse’s playing time has been restricted following a collision with Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward Evan Rodrigues during a recent game. The incident occurred in the third period when Nurse and Rodrigues collided near the boards, resulting in Nurse hitting his head on the glass.

    As a result of the collision, Nurse was evaluated for a possible concussion and has been placed on a limited playing schedule as a precautionary measure. This means that Nurse will see reduced ice time and may even sit out some games until he is fully cleared to return to regular play.

    Nurse’s absence from the lineup is a significant loss for the Oilers, as he is a key defenseman who plays a crucial role in their defensive strategy. Known for his physicality and strong defensive play, Nurse’s presence on the ice is sorely missed by his teammates and fans alike.

    In the meantime, the Oilers will have to rely on their other defensemen to step up and fill the void left by Nurse’s absence. Players like Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci will need to take on more responsibility and play increased minutes to make up for Nurse’s reduced playing time.

    While it is unfortunate that Nurse has been sidelined due to this collision, the Oilers are taking the necessary precautions to ensure his health and safety. It is important for players to prioritize their well-being and not rush back into action before they are fully recovered from any injuries.

    Fans of the Edmonton Oilers will be eagerly awaiting Nurse’s return to the lineup, as his presence on the ice is sure to make a significant impact on the team’s performance. In the meantime, they will have to support their team and hope for a speedy recovery for Darnell Nurse.