Staal's six goals are second on the team while his nine points are one behind leading scorer James Neal. Missing Staal would be a giant blow to the team even though they seem to win without anyone healthy. He did not travel to Toronto and will not play tonight.
Hall skating this morning is an indication he could play tonight. Over the team's first four games he scored a goal and four points. If he returns tonight, look for him to play on the top line.
Gardiner had been a healthy scratch with Cody Franson drawing back into the lineup. With no points and a minus-2 rating over his first two games, the 21-year-old certainly has some growing pains.
Linus Omark takes his place on the top line. The Oilers will dress seven defensemen tonight with Theo Peckham drawing back into the lineup.
Should he not feel well enough to play in the Battle of Alberta, look for Jeff Petry to draw back into the lineup. Expect a further update on this injury tonight.
Gardiner has been a healthy scratch with Cody Franson drawing back into the lineup. With no points and a minus-2 rating over his first two games, the 21-year-old certainly has some growing pains.
After playing two games for the Leafs, the former 17th overall pick is a healthy scratch. Over those two games he is still looking for his first NHL point while sporting a minus-2 rating.
Stepan gets a crack at the top line after centering the third line over the first two games. With Richards and Gaborik both left handed shooters, adding a right handed forward to the line could lead to better production.
In his second full season, Hall is expected to score 30 goals and help his Edmonton Oilers avoid being the worst team in the League.
Staal is expected to play tonight following his bout with dehydration. Look for him to center the second line.
Likely just a precautionary measure to maintain Staal's health. Last season he scored 11 goals and 30 points over 42 games, playing between the first and second line. Expect him to approach career highs as he plays a more vital offensive role.
As one of the better defensive prospects in hockey, Gardiner could make the team and push a veteran out of a job. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 41 points in as many games with the University of Wisconsin. The team will keep him on a tight leash as he could use a bit more time in the AHL after playing only 10 games with the Marlies last season.
As one of the better defensive prospects in hockey, Gardiner could make the team and push a veteran out of a job. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 41 points in as many games with the University of Wisconsin. He could use a bit more time in the AHL after playing only 10 games with the Marlies last season.
Stastny will need to step up for his team to re-enter the playoff picture. Coming off a poor year by his standards, the second-generation center scored 22 goals and 57 points. If on his game he can easily add 60 assists to his annual 20+ goals.
Gardiner figures to start the season in the AHL but should impress during the preseason. As the team's top defensive prospect, he hopes to render a puck-moving d-man like John-Michael Liles obsolete sooner rather than later.
The former 1st overall pick scored 22 goals in 65 games last season and should be expected to break 30 goals this season.
Hall will start on the first line with Hemsky. The former 1st overall pick scored 22 goals in 65 games last season and should be expected to break out this year.
Stepan could very well earn the first line LW position over Wojtek Wolski, Ruslan Fedotenko or Sean Avery. Just another name to throw in the hat -- one with much more potential than the other three candidates.
