Capilano Rehab Centre Injury Report – October 20, 2015

COME BACK TO US EBERLEEEEE! 

Alright, we got two well deserved wins over the weekend! While the boys worked hard on the ice, Jordan Eberle ate pizza and baked cakes. I thought the ATB ads were great and perfectly timed. Truthfully, it was just nice to see Eberle’s face again, even if it wasn’t on the ice. He is still out from the pre-season shoulder injury and has missed all six games so far, and is expected to miss six to 12 more. It was nice to see the boys pull through and win a couple games without Ebs over the weekend, unlike the first four games where he was evidently missed. Eberle being injured leaves a gaping hole on our top line at the right wing position. McLellan has tried a few different options to fill that slot, mixing in Slepyshev, Purcell, Hendricks, and most recently Klinkhammer. These lines scaled from borderline disaster to meh. These different line combos make me miss Ebs even more, and seeing those ATB ads just added to the sadness. That being said, I’m glad that he is finding new hobbies and taking care of his diet. 

Of all the attempted players matched up with Hall and Nuge, Hendricks seemed to play the best with them which makes this all even more sad. SEGWAY! During Saturday’s game against the Flames, Matt Hendricks was doing what he does and blocking all of the muffins that the Flames were trying to throw at the net. For once this season, one of those shots was harder than normal and gave Hendricks a feel-good spot off his foot. What appeared to be a bruise at first glance was revealed to be something more serious as the Oilers announced Hendy was placed on the IR with a foot injury, and will miss the next few games. While there is no exact timeline on his injury, the buzz sounds like it won’t be much longer than a week or two. The Oilers refuse to reveal the details so time will tell. 

With another “top-line” (at the time) Oiler out, the doors are swinging wide open for good ol’ Andrew Miller to burst through. After a short but sweet showing in the NHL last season, Miller was recalled this week to fill in for the injured Hendricks. By the looks of the practice lines today, he may even be starting in tomorrow’s game against Detroit on the top line with Hall and Nuge. 

I don’t disagree that Miller should be given a shot, it’s just frustrating having all these players who are not Eberle play with Nuge and Hall. If we are looking at the positives, I say good for Hendricks for getting a shot on the top line and filling in successfully. Even though it didn’t last long, and he will regularly not see the first line of many teams, I feel that his grittiness and work ethic earned him a couple games on the first line. 

It’s not really jaw dropping, drink spilling news, but as I am typing this we have now learned that Griffin Reinhart is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Sounds like he just got a little banged up from the Canucks game. Reinhart was a no show at practice today. I was convinced that he had slept in, (seems to be happening a lot this season in the NHL), but it was confirmed he may be doubtful for the Red Wings on Wednesday. If he can’t play, ex-captain Andrew Ference will take his spot.

Want a season opener party shirt but weren’t at the party? You’re in luck. We’ve counted, sorted, and organized everything we have left and thrown them up for sale on the NationGear store. Be warned, once these are gone they are never coming back so don’t wait to buy one if you want one. As always, a portion of the proceeds will go straight to Earth Group in an effort to help provide life essentials for needy folks around the world.