Edmonton Oilers: Drake Caggiula Could Play Game 3
By Eric Friesen
Edmonton Oilers centre Drake Caggiula crashed hard into the boards in the second period of Game 2 against the Anaheim Ducks. He lost his footing on his way to the net.
Caggiula immediately went to the dressing room and did not return. The 22-year-old Ontario native has not registered a point in eight playoff games so far but has created scoring chances with speed. He has also provided good versatility, playing up and down the lineup.
Head coach Todd McLellan provided an update on Caggiula Saturday. According to 630CHED, McLellan said Caggiula skated between periods and that he seemed fine. By the end, he was “going to count on him” for Game 3; however, it is unknown whether he will definitely play.
If Caggiula is not ready to go in Game 3 on Sunday, the Oilers have multiple options to replace him.
Edmonton Oilers
Hendricks is the elder statesman on the Oilers and has 34 games of playoff experience. Only Milan Lucic (109), Benoit Pouliot (62), David Desharnais (46) and Kris Russell (44) have played in more career post-season games on the Oilers than Hendricks.
The 35-year-old forward no longer has the foot speed to be an everyday player, but he’s a great leader for this young Oilers team on and off the ice and battles as hard as anyone. In a fourth line role with controlled minutes, he could a factor, especially if the series gets rougher.
Khaira has been pushing for a bottom six spot with Edmonton for the past two years and would certainly relish the opportunity to show Head Coach Todd McLellan what he can contribute in a playoff game. The 22-year-old Surrey, British Columbia native thinks the game well, has good speed and decent hands.
At 6-foot-4 and 219-pounds, Khaira owns a massive frame and is difficult to separate from the puck. And in a series where you can never have enough size, Khaira would be a welcomed addition.
Pakarinen missed the first 56 games this season with a knee injury suffered in training camp. The 25-year-old Loviisa, Finland native has a heavy wrist shot and raise his game when the competition picks up. Pakarinen can also kill penalties and create space in the offensive zone for his teammates.
Overall, there are plenty of options for Edmonton if Caggiula cannot play. His status for Game 3 is unknown.