Emberson has been out since February 29th due to a lower-body injury and is likely to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season as he recovers. The 23-year-old rookie stood out as one of San Jose's best defensemen most nights when dressed and will finish his first season with a goal, 10 points, 31 SOG, six PIMs and a -4 plus/minus through 30 games before his injury.
Walman has averaged over 21 minutes of ice time over his last four contests but is battling a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup for the last three games. Walman has only one point (1G / 0A) in his last 16 games.
Stefan went undrafted but was able to land an entry-level contract with the Oilers after impressing over the last two WHL seasons with the Portland Winterhawks. The 20-year-old has 48 goals and 51 assists in 64 games this season.
Skinner will take back the Oilers' crease Thursday for his third start in four games after backing up Calvin Pickard in Edmonton's 3-2 win Tuesday. The 25-year-old has been on a tear for the last half of the season with a 19-4-2 record, .924 SV% and 2.15 GAA in his last 27 games played. He'll host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, whose playoff hopes took a hard hit with a loss on Tuesday but have still won four of their last six contests.
The Oilers have been openly rotating their goalies over the last few weeks, a trend that continues on Tuesday as Pickard will start for the fourth time in the last eight games. Pickard has been tremendous when called upon lately, including pitching a 41-save shutout in his last outing, a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Oilers enter action as significant -389 home favourites.
Walman has averaged over 21 minutes of ice time over his last four games, but is battling a lower-body injury and will not play on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Walman has only one point (1G / 0A) in his last 16 games.
Ungar is an undrafted 22-year-old netminder out of Alberta who has earned himself his first professional contract after an impressive campaign with Brock University (OUAA), posting a 2.15 GAA and .932 SV% in 26 games (20-6-0). Previously, Ungar spent five seasons in the WHL.
Stecher will fill in on the Oilers' blue-line for Mattias Ekholm, who is out with an undisclosed injury. Stecher has one goal and four assists in 47 games this season.
Ekholm was a late scratch for Wednesday's game against the Capitals with the team only announcing his absence shortly before warmups. His absence opens up the door for Troy Stecher to make his Oilers debut.
Mangiapane was a surprise scratch for Tuesday's game, with the team not announcing his absence until the start of warmups. Mangiapane's absence makes way for Martin Pospisil's return from suspension.
Skinner has only started one of the last three games but will return to the crease on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. His recent inactivity hasn't resulted from poor play as he has been impressive lately, allowing two or fewer goals in five straight (4-0-1), posting a .947 SV%.
Pavol Regenda will replace Jones, who will be out of the lineup due to an illness. Jones has been semi-productive lately for the low-scoring Ducks, tallying five points (1G / 4A), 15 shots, and 18 hits in the last seven games.
