Demers has missed the last two games but it looks like he will play in Washington. Demers is officially listed as a game-time decision but was on the ice for the morning skate and is expected to play. Demers has three assists and 15 shots in 15 games this season.
Demers missed Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets but was on the ice for Saturday's game-day skate and could play vs. the Wild. Demers has three assists and 15 shots while playing 22:31 ATOI in 15 games this season.
Koekkoek was a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace rookie defenseman Adam Boqvist in the lineup on Saturday. Koekkoek has two assists in seven games this year.
Demers will not be in the lineup on Thursday night, so look for Ilya Lyubushkin to suit up. Monitor Demers' status leading up to Saturday's game vs. the Wild.
Caggiula was in the lineup for the last two games but will be replaced by Zack Smith on Saturday. Caggiula has three goals in the 10 games he's played in.
Smith allowed one goal on 24 shots in the Oilers win in Columbus on Wednesday. The win was Smith's first since October 12th and pushed him to 4-3-1 with a 2.29 GAA and .919 SV% on the season. Smith has been great on the road, going 2-2-1 with a 1.38 GAA and .947 SV% in five games but has a tough matchup vs. a Penguins team that is hot and finally healthy.
Smith was yanked after allowing three goals on 13 shots in the Oilers loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Smith has not won a game since October 12th, going 0-3-1 despite posting a 2.33 GAA, .920 SV% and one shutout (in a 1-0 shootout loss). The Oilers goaltenders need more goal-support and Smith could get it tonight against a Blue Jackets team allowing the sixth-most goals per game (3.55).
Carrick broke his finger while blocking a shot in practice last Thursday and will be sidelined until at least late-November. This injury opens the door for one of Matt Tennyson or Mirco Mueller to remain in the lineup once Will Butcher is back.
Murray suffered a broken hand in the Blue Jackets loss to the Flyers on Saturday. Markus Nutivaara will replace him on Wednesday if he is able to return from his lower-body injury. Don't expect to see Murray until mid-to-late November.
Kulak has appeared in six straight games but will be replaced by Mike Reilly on Saturday. Kulak was a minus-2 in 16:38 TOI in Thursday's loss to the Sharks.
Koekkoek has been a healthy scratch for the last five games but will replace Connor Murphy in the lineup on Thursday. Murphy was placed on LTIR on Wednesday, so Koekkoek could remain in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Smith stopped all 23 shots that he faced in the Oilers 1-0 shootout loss in Winnipeg on Sunday. Smith was still credited with a shutout and moved him to 3-1-1 with a 1.98 GAA, .930 SV% and one shutout in his first five starts with the Oilers. He is a fantastic option on Tuesday as he faces a Wild team that is 2-6-0 while ranking 29th in the NHL in scoring (2.25 GF/gm).
Smith stopped all 23 shots that he faced in the Oilers 1-0 shootout loss in Winnipeg on Sunday. Smith was still credited with a shutout and moved him to 3-1-1 with a 1.98 GAA, .930 SV% and one shutout in his first five starts with the Oilers. He is a fantastic option on Tuesday as he faces a Wild team that is 2-6-0 while ranking 29th in the NHL in scoring (2.25 GF/gm).
Murray missed Saturday's game against the Islanders and head coach John Tortorella is unsure whether or not he will be available tonight. Dean Kukan will remain in the lineup if Murray can't play.
