Latest news with #RyanNugent-Hopkins
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Darnell Nurse leads revamped Blue Line as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins faces injury uncertainty for game 3
Image Via Twitter With the Stanley Cup Final tied up 1-1, the Edmonton Oilers are all set to confront a crucial Game 3, considering both a possible strategic change and injury concerns. The signs of defense reorganization were evident from their latest practice, indicating a wholly new setup to quell Floridian offensive pressure. However, some uncertainty remains: there was concern when the veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was absent from practice. Now, as the series flips over to Florida, the Oilers face more crucial decisions both on and off the ice. Being a strategic revamp: Nurse leads the top defensive pair with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' absence looming large The Oilers made some drastic changes to their defensive arrangement in preparation for Game 3 during the Sunday practice session. Darnell Nurse, with his physical edge and durability, was seen skating with Evan Bouchard on the top defensive pairing. This change comes after Edmonton's 5-4 double overtime loss in Game 2, where one could argue defensive lapses prevailed against Nurse, who had logged nearly 28 minutes of ice time. Matthias Ekholm, formerly alongside Nurse on the second line, has now been moved to skate with Klingberg. For much of the postseason, John has been something of a third-pairing defenseman. Now, with this move, he steps into a bigger role. At the same time, the third pair is completed by Walman and Kulak. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Kulak, meanwhile, has moved from the second pairing, down one slot, likely in an effort to spread some of that invading presence together with Nurse in Tri-city and transitions. The Oilers' adjustments appear to be in response to concerns about their defensive reliability, especially as the Panthers scored better in total chances than the Oilers, 76-61. So, whether the changes are an attempt to correct the imbalance or not, head coach Kris Knoblauch is now preparing his teams to face Florida's up-tempo style of play. Adding to the on-ice drama is the uncertainty of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The 32-year-old forward, who has been one of the offensive threats this postseason with 18 points, did not practice Sunday. His status for Game 3 was called a "game-time decision" by the coach. Jeff Skinner stepped in for Nugent-Hopkins on the top line with Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, but, for now, it seems just a precaution. Also Read: Darnell Nurse controversy sparks accusations of NHL bias by Dallas Stars With the Stanley Cup Final set to shift to Florida for Game 3, the Edmonton Oilers will be relying on Darnell Nurse to stabilize the back end while anxiously awaiting the status of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. With the series hanging in the fine balance, every lineup decision could fully shift momentum.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is making Gretzky-level history and even Leon Draisaitl says he's the best player
Nugent-Hopkins breaks Oilers' playoff record, shines as MVP (Image via: Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers are once again on the verge of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, thanks to a powerful team effort. But amid the star power of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has quietly emerged as a key player. His recent performances have matched a historic streak last achieved by Wayne Gretzky, drawing praise from teammates and hockey fans alike. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins breaks records and earns praise as Oilers dominate playoffs POST-RAW | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl 05.27.25 After Edmonton's commanding 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has firmly established himself as one of the most valuable players in the playoffs. Leon Draisaitl didn't hold back, calling him 'the best player in the series,' a testament to Nugent-Hopkins' impressive impact. In Game 4, Nugent-Hopkins contributed two key assists, including one that set up Corey Perry's game-winning goal. Over the first four games of the series, he has accumulated nine points, showcasing consistent multi-point efforts night after night. Overall, Nugent-Hopkins has tallied 18 points in 15 playoff games, ranking him among the top postseason scorers in the NHL. What truly sets Nugent-Hopkins apart is his historic achievement: becoming the first Edmonton Oiler since the legendary Wayne Gretzky in 1988 to start a playoff series with four consecutive multi-point games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A brain tumor threatens his life. Please save him. Donate For Health Donate Now Undo This rare feat highlights his vital role and the high level of play he has maintained throughout the series. While McDavid and Draisaitl often draw the headlines, Nugent-Hopkins has quietly been the driving force behind Edmonton's playoff success. His intelligent playmaking and steady contributions, especially on the power play, have been crucial as the Oilers have won 11 of their last 13 playoff games. Also Read: Nick Foligno backs Jeff Blashill with a powerful message, takes subtle shot at departed teammates With the Oilers now leading the series 3-1, Nugent-Hopkins could be the key to closing out the Dallas Stars and securing another trip to the Stanley Cup Final. His blend of skill, vision, and consistency is proving to be a difference-maker in this postseason run. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is proving to be the Oilers' unsung hero, delivering clutch performances when it matters most. If Edmonton advances, his historic playoff run will be remembered as a key factor in their success. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Edmonton Journal
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Oilers veterans have been waiting long time for this as Cup final return looms
Article content The Oilers were fulfilling everyone's pre-playoff prophecy that predicted they'd be bowing out in the first round. They've gone 11-2 since, treating the 105-point L.A. Kings, the 110-point Vegas Golden Knights and the 106-point Dallas Stars like punching bags. They won four in a row to dump the Kings, four out of five to eliminate Vegas and are now 3-1 up on the Dallas Stars, one win away from their second straight Stanley cup final. It has been a run for the ages. And for veterans like 40-year-old Corey Perry, one of the oldest players in the league, and 32-year-old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-serving member of the Oilers, this is as much fun as hockey gets. 'It just keeps getting better and better, it's unbelievable,' said Nugent-Hopkins, who has been in Edmonton for 959 regular-season games, 90 more in the playoffs and can't imagine lacing it up anywhere else.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins driving team's Stanley Cup playoff success
Nugent-Hopkins drives Oilers' playoff success in Western Conference Final (Image via: Getty Images) As the Edmonton Oilers push toward the Stanley Cup Final, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is proving to be a crucial player in their playoff success. His impressive postseason performance has made him a key contributor in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. While his skill and consistency shine, discussions continue about the role coaching trust plays in his prominent position on the Oilers' lineup. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins shines in Oilers playoff run amid role debate Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Hits Corey Perry With A Slick Power-Play Feed In a star-studded Edmonton Oilers locker room featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who's quietly emerging as the playoff hero. With an impressive nine points in just four games against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, Nugent-Hopkins is driving Edmonton's commanding 3-1 series lead. Beyond the stats, discussions swirl about his seemingly untouchable status with the Oilers' coaching staff. It's no secret that Leon Draisaitl once referred to him as 'the coach's favorite,' and this postseason is adding fuel to that fire. Whether it's top power play minutes, key penalty kill roles, or consistent top-six deployment, Nugent-Hopkins is everywhere and critics are starting to question if that's always been about merit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Conheça o óculos militar que os homens 40+ querem Óculos Max Saiba Mais Undo After all, his regular season numbers dipped just 49 points in 78 games, a far cry from the 104-point campaign he had two years ago. On a team where production usually determines priority, how did Nugent-Hopkins manage to retain such an ironclad role? That question gets more complicated when you consider what he's done lately. In the playoffs, he's flipped the switch—18 points in 15 games, and two brilliant assists in Game 4 that had even skeptics nodding in approval. His defensive play has also tightened, with key penalty kills and critical puck battles adding weight to his case. Coach Kris Knoblauch insists it's about trust. 'He's really elevated his game, Ryan is very valuable to our team ' the coach said. But that praise, paired with unwavering deployment, has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Also Read: Zach Hyman injury shakes Oilers in Game 4 after controversial hit by Stars' Marchment With the Oilers one win away from back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, the answer might not matter to the scoreboard. But in a locker room full of elite talent, where ice time is a currency, the unspoken favoritism narrative refuses to die quietly. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Ottawa Citizen
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Edmonton Oilers win game, lose Hyman, tighten noose around Stars
Article content Game 4 in any playoff series is always to swing game, and that was the case again Tuesday at Rogers Place because when it was all over, the Dallas Stars were swinging from the end of a noose. Article content Article content The Edmonton Oilers kicked the stool out from under Dallas with a 4-1 victory to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Final. And now, if history is any indication, it's only a matter of time until the Stars stop kicking. Article content Article content The Oilers improved to 11-2 in their last 13 playoff games and are 17-2 in Games 4 through 7 of a playoff series over the last two years. They're also 8-1 over the last four years when they have a chance to close out a series. Article content Article content If you're Dallas, this is some bad math. When the stakes are high, the Oilers' killer instinct is ruthless. Article content 'I think that our team likes those moments,' said Leon Draisaitl. 'We like to put ourselves in good situations in those games. And if we're not in a good spot in a series, we like to push through it and get ourselves back into it. It's a great record.' Article content The Oilers and Stars waged a ferocious battle, exactly what you'd expect when one team is fighting for its life and the other is looking to administer a quick death. Article content And, once again, the Oilers found a way to win. This time, it was by winning the special-teams battle. Edmonton scored twice on the power play and killed three of four penalties. Article content Article content Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who is having a whale of a series (two goals and seven assists), set up the first two Edmonton goals — one from Draisaitl 11:23 into the first period and one from Corey Perry 9:20 into the second to give Edmonton a 2-1 lead heading into the third period Article content Article content From there, the Oilers went into shutdown mode, holding the Stars to three shots through the first 17 minutes of the final frame before Kasperi Kapanen and Adam Henrique iced it with an empty-netter. Article content Once again, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner kept the Stars from gaining any sort of momentum. He stopped 16 shots in the first period and eight of nine in the second, and 27 of 28 overall. The only one that got by him was Jason Robertson's power-play snipe at 6:57 of the second period. Article content The game came at a significant cost, as Zach Hyman, who has 109 hits in the playoffs and scored two goals last game, left midway through the first period after a hit from Mason Marchment. Hyman dropped his stick immediately after the collision and headed straight to the Oilers room with with an injured arm or shoulder.
