Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian was paired with Connor McDavid and Evander Kane on the top line at Saturday's morning skate. He took over the right-wing role from Kailer Yamamoto (upper body), who was hurt in Game 2 and is questionable for the contest. Kassian has so far logged just a little over 16 minutes of action in the series, so this is a big promotion for him if he indeed stays on the line. The 31-year-old is best known for his physicality and he sits on just 22 points for the year if you combine the regular season and the playoffs, but McDavid's presence lifts everybody's game and Kane is the leading goal-scorer of the 2022 playoffs, meaning Kassian finds himself in a great position to make a big impact in Game 3.
Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian will be back in the lineup Friday against St. Louis after spending a pair of games in the press box. He'll be rolling with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Derick Brassard on the third line. Nugent-Hopkins is among Edmonton's best passers and Brassard has found some offensive success lately, so Kassian finds himself in a pretty good situation to add to the 16 points he has picked up in 44 appearances this season. The 31-year-old power forward has also recorded 125 hits in 2021-22.
Zack Kassian Score Goal, Adds Two Helpers Wednesday
Edmonton Oilers right-winger Zack Kassian scored his fourth goal of the season then added two assists on Wednesday night in Arizona against the Coyotes. Kassian came into the game with five points in 14 games played. He attempted a season-high eight shots on goal and hit the net five times. This is all while playing 16:46 at even strength -- most of that with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Kassian's best play of the night may have been getting the puck to McDavid who sealed the game with an empty-net goal. How much will this trio play on Saturday in Vegas? Stay tuned.
Edmonton Oilers forwards Devin Shore (undisclosed) and Zack Kassian (head) won't be able to help the team in Wednesday's season opener against Vancouver. Shore picked up an injury in Tuesday's practice and Kassian has been nursing a head trauma since last Thursday's preseason outing. Both should be considered as day-to-day. Oilers head coach Dave Tippett has said that Kassian might return for Saturday's clash with the Flames. Shore could be in contention for the game as well. Ryan McLeod will replace Shore as the fourth-line center on Wednesday, and he'll be joined by Brendan Perlini and Kyle Turris.
