Edmonton Oilers News

The Flames avoided disaster as an MRI revealed that Smith’s injury is not as serious as originally feared. What looked like a groin injury turned out not to be groin related. However, the lower-body ailment will keep him out of at least the next two games and he will be re-evaluated after that.

The Flames provided no further update on Smith (lower-body), and plan on re-evaluating him tomorrow. His injury should be considered day-to-day for now.

Murray hasn't played since November 27th. Travelling with the team gives him a chance of playing in one of the next two games, but for now he remains without a timetable for his return.

Smith almost escaped Sunday’s game in Brooklyn healthy and with a win, but he went down while flexing out his right pad with less than three seconds left. Smith had to be helped off of the ice after suffering what looked like a groin injury. This would be a massive blow to the Flames playoff hopes—they are locked in a battle in the tight Western Conference. Expect an update from the Flames over the next 24 hours.

Smith allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Flames win in Chicago on Tuesday. David Rittich started last night, giving Smith an extra day of rest prior to tonight’s game in New York. Smith ended a five-game winning streak by winning his last two starts with a 2.48 GAA and .922 SV%. Even with the back-to-back, he is a must-start against a Rangers team that is in complete free-fall mode—they’ve lost four in a row and seven of their last eight.

Demers has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, but is ready to go in Minnesota. Demers has had a solid season, posting numbers similar to what he had with the Stars and Panthers. The 29-year-old is also playing a career-high 21:46 TOI/GM in his first year with the Coyotes.

Smith allowed three goals on 28 shots in the Flames win over the Blackhawks on Saturday. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for Smith, who will make his 45th start tonight in Chicago. Smith has gone 2-0-0 with a 2.95 GAA and .908 SV% in two starts against the Blackhawks this season.

Smith allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Flames loss to the Golden Knights on Tuesday. The losing streak extended to four games for Smith, who has posted an impressive 1.91 GAA and .938 SV% in the process. He has a terrible matchup with the Lightning in town, but he stopped 33 of 34 shots in a 5-1 win in Tampa Bay in mid-January.

Walman, 21, did not appear in a game during his time with the Blues and returns to Chicago with just two goals and 11 assists (13 points) in 40 games.

Demers was hurt last Thursday vs. the Blue Jackets and lands on IR so he won’t play on Thursday. Kyle Capobianco has been recalled from Tucson (AHL) to take his spot on the roster.

Smith allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Flames loss to the Kings last Wednesday. Smith lost his last three starts before the All-Star break despite stopping 90 of 95 shots (.947 SV%). Smith was simply fantastic in the weeks leading up to the break. He enters Tuesday at 5-0-3 with a 1.71 GAA and .947 SV% in January.

Demers left last Thursday’s game vs. the Blue Jackets with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Demers will be re-evaluated as the week progresses and is questionable for Thursday’s game vs. Dallas.

Smith allowed two goals on 33 shots in the Flames loss to the Sabres on Monday. Smith has gone 5-0-2 with a 1.68 GAA and .949 SV% in seven January starts. Tonight he will face the Kings for the second time this season—he is 2-0-0 with a 2.98 GAA and .921 SV% in the first two meetings of the season.

Smith stopped 34 of 35 shots in the Flames loss to the Jets on Saturday. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for Smith, who has stopped an impressive 227 of the last 240 shots (.946 SV%) that he has faced. Smith has been playing great and he is a must-start tonight vs. the lowly Sabres.