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Edmonton Oilers News
Skinner will start against the Flames in the Heritage Classic on Sunday.

The Oilers will give Stuart Skinner the nod in Sunday's Heritage Classic against the Flames. Both Skinner and fellow Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell have struggled to find their form early on in the 2023-24 season, but Skinner did enjoy his finest start of the season in Edmonton's most recent game against the Rangers on Thursday. The 24-year-old netminder stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced in a losing effort as the Oilers were uncharacteristically shut out on home ice. Outdoor games always bring some extra uncertainty with them, but the Oilers are -155 favourites to pick up the win on Sunday, and the line could move further in their favour if Connor McDavid is able to return to the lineup.

Stuart Skinner
McDavid (upper-body) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's Heritage Classic.

McDavid missed the last two games with an upper-body injury that he suffered last Saturday vs. the Jets. However, he was a full participant in Saturday's practice and appears to be on-track to play in Sunday's Heritage Classic vs. the Flames. McDavid, who has eight points (2G / 6A) in five games, skated next to Leon Draisaitl and Warren Foegele in Saturday's session.

Connor McDavid
Skinner was in the starter's crease at Saturday's practice.

The Oilers are expected to give Stuart Skinner the nod in Sunday's Heritage Classic against the Flames. Both Skinner and fellow Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell have struggled to find their form early on in the 2023-24 season, but Skinner did enjoy his finest start of the season in Edmonton's most recent game against the Rangers on Thursday. The 24-year-old netminder stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced in a losing effort as the Oilers were uncharacteristically shut out on home ice. Outdoor games always bring some extra uncertainty with them, but the Oilers are -155 favourites to pick up the win on Sunday, and the line could move further in their favour if Connor McDavid is able to return to the lineup.

Stuart Skinner
Skinner will start against the Rangers on Thursday.

Skinner will be the starting goalie for the Oilers on Thursday after serving as the backup for three of their last four contests. The Oilers, who will once again be without Connor McDavid (upper-body), will be desperate to get their season on track as they are off to a disappointing 1-4-1 start. Last year's best offensive team (3.96 GF/GP) is averaging only 2.83 goals per game and is being outscored by an alarm 17-27 total. The Oilers will be challenged by the New York Rangers (-126 road favourites) and will hope that sophomore Stuart Skinner can recapture some of the magic he had last season as a Calder Trophy finalist.

Stuart Skinner
Stuart Skinner is in the starters' net at Thursdays' morning skate.

It appears Skinner will be the starting goalie for the Oilers on Thursday after serving as the backup for three of their last four contests. The Oilers, who will once again be without Connor McDavid (upper-body), will be desperate to get their season on track as they are off to a disappointing 1-4-1 start. Last year's best offensive team (3.96 GF/GP) is averaging only 2.83 goals per game and is being outscored by an alarm 17-27 total. The Oilers will be challenged by the New York Rangers (-126 road favourites) and will hope that sophomore Stuart Skinner can recapture some of the magic he had last season as a Calder Trophy finalist.

Stuart Skinner
The Sabres re-assigned Savoie (upper-body) to Rochester (AHL) on Sunday for a conditioning stint.

Savoie suffered the injury in the final game of the Sabres' Prospect Showcase in September. The 19-year-old is one of the Sabres' top prospects and is coming off of a season where he had 95 points (38G / 57A) in 62 games with the Winnipeg Ice (WHL).

Matthew Savoie
McDavid suffered an undisclosed injury in the third period of Saturday's game against the Jets and did not return.

McDavid appeared to be in some discomfort and was seen grabbing his left side after a shift late in the third period. He did not return for the final 4:20 of the third or the overtime period. Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft told reporters that he would have an update on the injury on Sunday, but that it appeared to be "more muscular" in nature. The 2022-23 Hart Trophy winner is enjoying another otherworldly start to this year's campaign, with two goals and six assists to his name through the opening five games of the season.

Connor McDavid
Stuart Skinner starts Saturday vs. Winnipeg.

Skinner allowed four goals on 16 shots (.750 SV%) in his previous start as he lost to Vancouver but will look for redemption Saturday as he takes on Winnipeg. The 24-year-old has had a horrific two appearances for the Oilers thus far in 2023-24, with his 0-2-0 record, 5.33 GAA and .750 SV%. He will face the Winnipeg Jets, who have lost their last two games but are fourth in the NHL in shots per game (34.5).

Stuart Skinner
Henrique (illness) will not play in Thursday's game against the Stars.

Henrique missed the Ducks' morning skate due to illness and will be out Thursday as they take on Dallas. The 33-year-old veteran has an assist, no SOG and a -1 plus/minus through two games so far this season while averaging 15:45 TOI. Henrique has not played in more than 71 games in a single season since 2018-19.

Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique (illness) is a game-time decision Thursday vs. Dallas.

Henrique missed the Ducks' morning skate due to illness and will be a game-time decision Thursday as they take on Dallas. The 33-year-old veteran has an assist, no SOG and a -1 plus/minus through two games so far this season while averaging 15:45 TOI. Henrique has not played in more than 71 games in a single season since 2018-19.

Adam Henrique
Troy Stecher will be a healthy scratch Tuesday vs. the New York Islanders.

Stecher made his season debut Monday in a victory over the New York Rangers but will be a healthy scratch Tuesday as Arizona heads to Elmont to face the New York Islanders. The 29-year-old had one shot across 23 shifts and 17:38 TOI in his debut but will head to the press box Tuesday for Josh Brown.

Troy Stecher
Josh Brown will draw back into the Coyotes' lineup Tuesday vs. the New York Islanders.

Brown was a healthy scratch for Arizona's victory over the Rangers on Monday but will draw back into the lineup Tuesday vs. the New York Islanders. The 29-year-old defensemen will be replacing Troy Stecher in the Coyotes' lineup. In his one-game of action this season, he has one SOG through 13:14 TOI.

Josh Brown
Josh Brown will be a healthy scratch Monday vs. the New York Rangers.

Brown collected 13:14 TOI in the Coyotes' season opening win vs. New Jersey but will be the odd man out as he is a healthy scratch Monday for Troy Stecher. The 29-year-old defenseman is coming off a four goal, three assist, 87 PIM season across 68 games played in 2022-23 and is playing in his sixth NHL season and has eight goals and 24 points in 240 career games played.

Josh Brown
Troy Stecher is set to make his season debut Monday vs. the New York Rangers.

After being a healthy scratch in their season opener, Stecher will make his season debut in his return to the Arizona Coyotes. Last season, Stecher split time between the Coyotes and Flames, scoring 14 points (3G / 11A) in 81 games. Stecher will replace Josh Brown, who will be a healthy scratch on Monday night.

Troy Stecher