Evander Kane is set to make his season debut as the #Oilers look for the split in Game 2 vs. the Kings. Paige has your Scotiabank Perks pre-game report!

Evander Kane is set to make his season debut for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff seriesp Fi against the Los Angeles Kings. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Kane, who has been sidelined since Game 2 of the 2024 Stanley Cunal due to multiple injuries, is expected to return to the lineup soon, possibly as early as Game 2, 3, or 4

Kane’s return comes at a crucial time for the Oilers, who are looking to even the series after a 4-3 loss in the opener. The 33-year-old forward has been recovering from surgeries to repair torn hip adductor muscles, hernias, and lower abdominal tears, as well as an arthroscopic knee procedure. Despite not being medically cleared yet, Knoblauch noted that Kane’s skating and agility have shown significant improvement, and he is eager to rejoin the team

In the 2023-24 season, Kane recorded 44 points (24 goals, 20 assists) in 77 games and added 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) in 20 playoff games. His physical presence and scoring ability are expected to bolster the Oilers’ depth and provide a much-needed spark in the postseason. Kane’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as Edmonton aims to even the series and gain momentum heading back to Rogers Place.

The Oilers are also making adjustments to their lineup for Game 2. Vincent Desharnais will replace Cody Ceci on defense, and the team is expected to debut two new forward lines. These changes reflect the coaching staff’s efforts to optimize the lineup and respond to the challenges posed by the Kings in the series opener

With Kane’s anticipated return and strategic lineup adjustments, the Oilers are poised to make a strong push to even the series and set the stage for a competitive postseason run.