* **Q: Why isn't Darnell Nurse playing for the Oilers?
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Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Oilers vs. Sharks: McDavid Returns as Edmonton Preps for Playoffs | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray | Oilers vs. Sharks: McDavid Returns as Edmonton Preps for Playoffs | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray
Hockey / NHL
Oilers vs. Sharks: McDavid Returns as Edmonton Preps for Playoffs
## Introduction The Edmonton Oilers conclude their regular season tonight in San Jose against the Sharks. With their playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Kings already set, this game serves as a final tune-up, highlighted by the return o...
Key Insights
- **McDavid Returns:** Connor McDavid is back in the lineup for the season finale after sitting out the previous game as a precaution.
- **Skinner Starts:** Goaltender Stuart Skinner will start against the Sharks, his second game back from injury.
- **Key Players Resting:** Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and others are sitting out to rest before the playoffs.
- **Nurse Suspended:** Defenseman Darnell Nurse is serving a one-game suspension and will miss tonight's game.
- **Shorthanded Defence:** Due to Nurse's suspension and emergency recall rules, the Oilers will dress only five defensemen.
- **Playoff Matchup Set:** The Oilers will face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- **Why this matters:** Tonight's game allows the Oilers to give McDavid a chance at a milestone, get Skinner more game action before the playoffs, and rest key players, but the shorthanded defense adds a layer of complexity heading into the postseason.
In-Depth Analysis
## In-Depth Analysis
The Edmonton Oilers head into their final regular-season game against the San Jose Sharks with their playoff spot secured and their first-round opponent confirmed as the Los Angeles Kings. Tonight's focus shifts to fine-tuning and potentially reaching individual milestones.
**McDavid's Milestone Watch:** After sitting out Monday's game as a precaution, Captain Connor McDavid returns to the lineup. While Coach Kris Knoblauch stated the decision wasn't solely about milestones, McDavid enters the game needing points to reach the 100-point mark for the season. Knoblauch emphasized McDavid's priority is playoff readiness: "I think in Connor's mind, the most important thing is getting ready for the playoffs and doing everything he can so he's at his best."
**Skinner Starts, Key Players Rest:** Goaltender Stuart Skinner gets the start, marking his second game back after recovering from a head collision injury sustained on March 26th. Skinner views this game as crucial for preparation: "It’s another opportunity for us to just go out there and play our game, find some more chemistry... one last moment for us to really kick things in before the real season starts." Key players like Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and others will rest tonight, but Coach Knoblauch anticipates most will be ready for Game 1 against the Kings.
**Shorthanded Defence:** The Oilers face a challenge on the blue line tonight. Darnell Nurse is serving a one-game suspension for a cross-check. Although Connor Carrick was recalled from Bakersfield on an emergency basis, NHL rules prevent him from playing because the team must play shorthanded due to the suspension. This leaves Edmonton with only five defensemen for the game.
**Projected Oilers Lineup:** *Forwards:* Skinner - McDavid - Brown Podkolzin - RNH - Arvidsson Perry - Henrique - Kapanen Jones - Janmark - Hutson *Defense:* Dineen - Bouchard Kulak - Emberson Brown *Goalies:* Skinner Pickard
**Sharks Season Finale:** For the San Jose Sharks, this game marks the end of their 2024-25 season as they did not qualify for the playoffs.
FAQ
* **Q: Who are the Oilers playing in the first round of the playoffs?
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* **Q: Is Connor McDavid playing tonight?
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Takeaways
- **McDavid is Playing:** The Oilers captain is back and has a chance to reach 100 points.
- **Focus on Playoffs:** Key players are resting, showing the team's priority is the upcoming series against the Kings.
- **Skinner Ready:** The starting goalie is back from injury and getting final reps before the playoffs begin.
- **Defensive Test:** Edmonton will navigate tonight's game with only five defensemen due to suspension.
- **Sharks Season Ends:** This is the final game of the season for San Jose.
Discussion
Do you think Connor McDavid will hit the 100-point mark tonight? Let us know!
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Sources
Source 1: PROJECTED LINEUP: Oilers at Sharks | Edmonton Oilers target="_blank"
Source 2: Oilers at Sharks (game 82): Lines, game thread and how to watch - Fear the Fin target="_blank"
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