RNH still not cleared for contact.
The youngster likely needs a few more practices before drawing in. Before getting hurt, RNH scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Edmonton Oilers News
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out 20 minutes early for practice, still likely out for tonight
As expected, Nugent-Hopkins won't play tonight. The youngster likely needs a few more practices before drawing in. Before getting hurt, RNH scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Line Change
Jason Demers activated from Injured Reserve. #sjsharks
Expect Demers to play today. Through 35 games he scored two goals and 11 points.
Line Change
On the positive side of the injury ledger, defenseman Jason Demers is probable. Sidelined with an unspecified lower body injury, he has not played since Jan. 24 in Calgary.
Great sign for Demers, who is an option for tomorrow's game. He has two goals and 11 points in 35 games.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith, who has won six games in a row including back-to-back shutouts, will start in goal for the Coyotes.
In seven career starts against the Stars, Smith has a 4-0-0 record with a 1.95 GAA, .929 SV% and one shutout.
RNH closer, but not yet. Guessing early next week, IMO.
Nugent-Hopkins clearly won't play tonight even though he is close. The current first overall pick scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith, who on Monday was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, will start in goal looking for his career-high sixth win in a row.
In nine career starts against the Kings, Smith has a 6-2-1 record with a 1.55 GAA, .944 SV% and one shutout.
While Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) practices with the team in a non-contact jersey
Ten days into Nugent-Hopkins's 7-10 day prognosis, the rookie is still not taking contact. The current first overall pick scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
TAMPA - Jason Demers is improving, but he won’t be in the lineup when the Sharks face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
Sounds like Demers should return in a week or two. He has two goals and 11 points in 35 games.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is skating with the team this morning, but after missing a string of practices, there's virtually no chance he plays.
Getting back on the ice is a good sign for the injured Nugent-Hopkins. The current first overall pick scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) and Corey Potter (groin) missing another practice today.
Not good news for the Oilers as their stud prospect will miss even more playing time. The current first overall pick scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins didn't return to practice today with the Oilers in Sherwood Park.
Not good news for the Oilers as their stud prospect will miss even more playing time. The current first overall pick scored 13 goals and 35 points in his first 40 NHL games.
Line Change
Today's Devils' lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk;
Henrique practiced on the top line this morning and figures to play there. The rookie scored 14 goals and 35 points in 47 games.
Demers says lower body all fixed and just a matter of getting his lungs back. McLellan says Demers/Wingels will both play on trip.
The Dorval, Quebec native has two goals and 11 points through 35 games. Expect his current nagging injury to keep him from 100 percent.
Demers still not skating after was originally told he was supposed to start skating middle of last week. Setback? Will ask after practice
The Dorval, Quebec native has two goals and 11 points through 35 games. Expect his current nagging injury to keep him from 100 percent.
Goalie Start
That means goaltender Mike Smith, who owns a 3-1-0 record and a 1.68 goal-against average vs. Chicago, will start for the Coyotes.
In four career appearances against the Blackhawks, Smith has a 3-1-0 record with a 1.69 GAA, .939 SV% and one shutout.
Line Change
Devils' lines in warm-ups: Sykora-Henrique-Clarkson;
Henrique moves up to the second line. The rookie has 14 goals and 35 points in 46 games.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith is expected to start in goal for the Coyotes and set a new career-high for games played in an NHL season at 43.
Smith won his only career start against the Flames, stopping 22 of 24 shots faced.
But no Jason Demers, either.
The Dorval, Quebec native has two goals and 11 points through 35 games. Expect his current nagging injury to keep him from 100 percent.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith is expected to start in goal for the #Coyotes.
Smith, who was drafted by Dallas in 2001 and then played his first 44 NHL games for the Stars, stopped 87 of the 90 shots he faced in the first three games between these teams this season. -PhoenixCoyotes.com