Oilers Update - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Out 3-4 Weeks

The Edmonton Oilers announced that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out for 3-4 weeks with a left shoulder injury.  The phenom who is leading all NHL rookies in scoring with 13 goals 22 assists was seen returning to Edmonton with a sling.  With the Nuge out of the line-up, Tom Renney made it clear that his club will need to dig deeper during his absence.

"I think everybody up front has to step up.  It's one of those situations where we have a balanced looking lineup up there at least.  And there's an opportunity to score, I think, on every-line.  We really need to try and create things with speed, tempo and going to the net."  

Tonight the Edmonton Oilers will face a strong St. Louis Blues club who are 5th in the Western Conference with 49 points.  Unfortunately the Oilers will also be without the services of Tom Gilbert.   #77 is still not 100% after he was thrown hard into the boards 2 nights ago in Chicago by Dan Carcillo. Carcillo received a 7 game suspension for his hit.

Who's hot.

Ales Hemsky, Taylor Hall and Sam Gagner have been a dangerous trio in recent games and will possibly be the top line for the start of tonight's match.  Gagner has been especially hot for his club, #89 has posted 16 points in 18 games. 

Possible Line Combinations for tonight.

Taylor Hall - Sam Gagner - Ales Hemsky

Ryan Smyth - Shawn Horcoff - Jordan Eberle. 

Ryan Jones - Eric Belanger - Ben Eager

Anton Lander - Josh Green - Teemu Hartikainen