Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t seem concerned about Evander Kane‘s ability to play in the Stanley Cup Final.
Knoblauch told reporters Tuesday that Kane is expected to practise Friday and be ready to play in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Kane sat on the bench for the majority of Game 6 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars because of an undisclosed injury on Sunday.
The forward was injured in the first period after delivering a body check on Stars’ Alex Petrovic and briefly went to the locker room. He did end up returning, but played just 4:39 in total, and did not take a single shift in the third period, despite remaining on the bench.
Kane, 32, scored 24 goals and 44 points this season — his third with the Oilers. In 18 playoff games, he added four goals and eight points.
The Edmonton Oilers’ head coach, Jay Woodcroft, announced today that star forward Evander Kane is expected to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kane, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, has been cleared by team doctors and is ready to hit the ice for the biggest game of his career.
Kane’s presence in the lineup will be a huge boost for the Oilers, as he has been a key contributor throughout the playoffs. In 18 games this postseason, Kane has tallied 10 goals and 8 assists, showcasing his scoring touch and playmaking abilities. His physical presence and ability to drive play will be crucial against a talented Lightning team that boasts a deep and skilled lineup.
Head coach Jay Woodcroft expressed his confidence in Kane’s ability to make an impact in Game 1, stating, “Evander is a big part of our team and we are excited to have him back in the lineup. He brings a unique combination of skill, speed, and physicality that can change the course of a game. We know he will be ready to compete at the highest level in the Stanley Cup Final.”
Kane’s return to the lineup comes at a crucial time for the Oilers, who are looking to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1990. With Kane back in action, the team will have a better chance of matching up against the Lightning’s high-powered offense and strong defensive play.
As the Oilers prepare to face off against the Lightning in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, fans can expect an intense and exciting matchup between two talented teams. With Evander Kane back in the lineup, the Oilers will be looking to take an early lead in the series and set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling championship showdown.