Who Steps Up as Oilers’ Physical Presence After Kapanen Injury?

The Edmonton Oilers are facing another lineup challenge as forward Kasperi Kapanen is expected to miss time after suffering a left knee injury in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. Kapanen tried to lay a heavy hit during the game, but missed and went hard into the boards, immediately coming off the ice and not returning in the loss.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch offered no detailed update but noted Kapanen was seen limping with a brace, a concerning indication that the winger won’t be back anytime soon.

---

“Kapanen’s been playing really well and giving us a little more energy, a little more speed, getting in on the forecheck,” Knoblauch said. “I’ve really liked his game, so hopefully it’s not a long-term injury.”

Oilers radio host Bob Stauffer, known for having a direct line to the Oilers, confirmed, “He’s going to be out a little while… I’m going to tell you that right now.”

Oilers Are Losing Another Physical Forward

The loss comes at a tough time for an Edmonton team already criticized for lacking fight and physical pushback. Having lost many of their aggressive forwards in the offseason, it’s become clear the Oilers are too easy to play against. Stauffer relayed that this was a theme being talked about by the New Jersey Devils after they beat the Oilers last week. Kapanen was one of the few forwards on the Oilers that was looking for the physical play.

“They didn’t fight and compete for space,” Stauffer said. “They’ve got to be better. They’ve got to dig in here. I know the Oilers aren’t built to be an uber-physically competitive team, but they’re going to have to ratchet up the intensity.” That will be a lot more difficult to do now without Kapanen in the lineup.

The Oilers will once again need to manage line combinations, likely bringing David Tomasek back in when they take on the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. Tomasek is not a physical threat, which means the Oilers will probably have to move pieces around in their bottom six to find a line that brings some intensity and makes life a bit more difficult for a Brady Tkachuk-less Sens opponent.

Next: Maple Leafs’ Stolarz and Nylander Address Locker Room Tension