Mike Babcock updated the Oilers' injury picture Tuesday, with Frederik Andersen and Matthew Savoie both still sidelined and no return in sight for either.
Edmonton goes into Wednesday's game against the Flyers at 13-3-3, first in the Pacific Division, so the absences haven't done much damage yet. The questions at practice were about when help is coming and who is filling the gaps.
The most curious answer came on Mattias Janmark, who was on the ice for practice. Babcock explained why he's playing on the back end.
"He got to practice is all I know, and I'm short D, so that's why he's a D-man, and I'm not short forwards. So that's how scientific it was," the coach said.
That is a coach telling you the blue line is thin enough that a forward is getting looks there. It says nothing about a permanent move, and Babcock didn't suggest one.
Savoie is the name fans keep asking about. He hasn't played this season, and he's listed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, expected to be out until at least Nov. 24.
Asked about his return, Babcock said he wants to see him back as much as anyone.
"I ask that myself every day. So, yeah, I'd like to see him...That's a great thing about the head coach has nothing to do with when guys return. They tell me."
How long will Andersen be out for the Oilers?
Longer than Savoie, and it isn't close. Andersen is listed on injured reserve with a knee injury, expected to be out until at least Dec. 30, according to the latest injury report.
Babcock didn't soften it. "We don't expect him for a while yet. Like that's not even talked about," he said.
So the crease belongs to Devon Levi for now. He made 29 saves on 30 shots in Monday night's 3-1 win over the Rangers, with Leon Draisaitl scoring twice and Connor McDavid adding a goal.
Edmonton is 7-0-1 on the road, which buys some patience. But a forward on the blue line and a goalie out until the end of December is the kind of depth problem that gets expensive if a second injury hits. Stan Bowman's phone should be getting some use.
Savoie's Nov. 24 date is the first one to circle, and only the medical staff will decide it.
Quick hits
ANAHEIM DUCKS: Troy Terry is likely to play Wednesday against Nashville, which would be his season debut. A practice-day hint, and a welcome one for a lineup that has waited on him.
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PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: Sam Girard was not on the ice at practice in Los Angeles today. Dan Muse has new lines for Wednesday's game at San Jose, so watch that lineup closely.
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WINNIPEG JETS: Connor Hellebuyck says what his family went through in Winnipeg "crossed the line," Chris Johnston reports. Strong words from a goalie who rarely says much.
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LOS ANGELES KINGS: Mats Zuccarello is slated to return to the lineup tonight against the Predators. Los Angeles gets a veteran back for a big one.
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UTAH MAMMOTH: Dylan Guenther is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game at Vegas. His status will cloud the lineup until the team says more.
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This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
Can the Oilers stay atop the Pacific with Frederik Andersen out until at least Dec. 30?
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