The Edmonton Oilers’ pre-game skate on Saturday was missing a key player from the roster. Zach Hyman was not on the ice, the second time in a row that he didn’t practice. The last time, Hyman was a game-time decision, and he played. This time, he won’t be in the lineup.
When asked if Hyman would be in the lineup, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed the forward would not be.”…we feel it’s best to give him some rest and let him be healthy and not aggravate anything.”
When asked for a bit more clarification and if this was a lingering issue, Knoblauch responded:
“There’s something he’s been dealing with that’s been uncomfortable. A lot of our players are playing through things at this time of year, but this was something that wasn’t improving. We felt it was best to give him some rest so he can heal and be 100 percent for the playoffs.”
As for how long he’ll be out, “Whether that’s five days or closer to two weeks, somewhere in that window, we think he’ll be good.”
How Hard Is It To Sit Hyman Right Now?
The coach was asked what goes into the choice to sit a player who could probably go, but rest is also important, particularly when the team is still fighting for a playoff spot.
Knoblauch noted that this is the time of year when you really have to weigh those decisions. “You’re still trying to secure a playoff spot, but at the same time, guys are dealing with nagging injuries and you want everyone as healthy as possible for when the playoffs begin.” He added that several players are dealing with something. It’s always a tough call.
“It’s an 82-game schedule, and it’s a physical game. I’d say probably 75 percent of players are dealing with something—soreness, bumps, whatever it may be. Very rarely is an NHL player ever truly 100 percent. But some injuries can get worse if you don’t address them, while others will improve with time.” He added, “With Zach, we felt that with the playoffs approaching—and knowing how important he is to our team—it was the right decision to make sure he’s in the best possible position to help us when it matters most.”
Next: Injuries, Predictability, Lost Prospects: The Cost of Berube’s Habits
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