Rangers at Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers hope to have one of their top forwards back in the lineup when they continue their five-game homestand Saturday against the New York Rangers. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who hasn't played since Jan. 13 because of a rib injury, may return as the Oilers look to avoid a third consecutive defeat.
"He's very close to playing," Edmonton coach Todd McLellan told the team's website Friday. "Right now, I'm penciling him into the lineup, but we'll see how he's feeling in the morning." The Oilers, who will miss the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons, began their homestand with Thursday's 4-2 loss to Nashville in which captain Connor McDavid recorded a goal and an assist to increase his team-leading total to 77 points. New York is looking to finish perfect on its three-game swing through Western Canada after posting victories in Vancouver and Calgary. Newly acquired center Ryan Spooner recorded a goal and an assist Friday as the Rangers recorded a 3-1 triumph over the Flames. Henrik Lundqvist registered 50-save performances in each of the two wins for New York, which is only five points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference despite having a fire sale prior to last Monday's trade deadline.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), CBC, Sportsnet, Sportsnet One (Edmonton)
ABOUT THE RANGERS (29-30-6): Spooner, who was obtained from Boston in Sunday's deal that sent Rick Nash to the Bruins, has collected a tally and six assists in three games with his new team. The 26-year-old native of Ottawa is three goals shy of matching the career high of 13 he set in 2015-16. Vladislav Namestnikov was kept off the scoresheet in Calgary after notching a goal and an assist against Vancouver in his first game after being acquired from Tampa Bay on Monday.
ABOUT THE OILERS (27-33-4): Ryan Strome is riding a four-game point streak during which he has collected three goals and three assists. The 24-year-old center, who is in his first season with Edmonton after spending his first four with the New York Islanders, is one assist shy of 100 for his career. Leon Draisaitl scored against the Predators, giving him a goal in four of his last five contests.
OVERTIME
1. McDavid has registered two goals and four assists during his three-game point streak.
2. Rangers C Kevin Hayes scored his 18th goal of the season Friday, tying C Mika Zibanejad for the team lead.
3. Edmonton assigned RW Ty Rattie to Bakersfield of the American Hockey League.