(Vancouver) Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl was not on the ice for his team’s practice on Thursday, and head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that his state of health will be re-evaluated on a daily basis .
Knoblauch added that the coaching staff will decide Friday morning whether the German forward will play in Game 2 of the series between the Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.
The 28-year-old skater appeared to be in pain in the Oilers’ loss to the Canucks on Wednesday.
Draisaitl had two assists in the game, but he was limited to 16:43 of play, well below his average of 20:41 per game this season.
Knoblauch said after the game that Draisaitl suffered from cramps and equipment issues.
Draisaitl has at least one point in each of the Oilers’ six playoff games so far: five goals and seven assists.
The Oilers, however, found forward Adam Henrique, who missed Game 1 due to an ankle injury.
Knoblauch also indicated that Henrique’s state of health was assessed on a daily basis and that a decision will be made Friday morning regarding his participation in the second game against the Canucks.