With Mikko Koskinen returning from the COVID-19 protocol list, Skinner goes back to the AHL. Skinner is coming off of his first career shutout and has gone 6-6-0 with a 2.62 GAA and .913 SV% with the Oilers this season.
Stecher is set to play for the first time since November 4th and it will be just his seventh game of the season. Stecher will slide into the lineup for Filip Hronek, who was added to the COVID-19 protocol list.
Mike Smith will start Tuesday vs. Vegas but Skinner will likely start Wednesday with Mikko Koskinen landing in COVID-19 protocol. Skinner has gone 8-0-2 with a 1.97 GAA and .928 SV% in 10 AHL games and 5-6-0 with a 2.85 GAA and .908 SV% in 12 NHL games this season.
Podkolzin was a healthy scratch last night but will draw into the lineup in Nashville. Podkolzin ranks second on the Canucks in 5v5 G/60 (0.86) this season.
Henrique has not played since December 3rd but has been activated from IR according to the team website and could return to the lineup on Thursday. Henrique had 16 points (6G / 10A) in 24 games before getting hurt.
Hyman has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but is expected to play Thursday vs. the Predators. Hyman is expected to start on the third line with Ryan McLeod and Zack Kassian but could move up with Connor McDavid at some point. Hyman has not scored a goal in his last 11 games, compiling just four assists.
Nugent-Hopkins has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but is set to play Tuesday in Vancouver. The Oilers will go with a different look, centring the third line with Zack Kassian and Brendan Perlini, instead of playing with Leon Draisaitl.
The Oilers woes continue with Skinner getting added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Monday morning. With Mike Smith also banged up right now, expect Mikko Koskinen to start on Thursday.
