Not sure if you guys heard, but the Oilers clinched a spot in the dance last week. The fans celebrated, meanwhile, the players went straight back to work. They’ve done us proud this season, and every last one of them deserves to play in the post-season after all the sacrifices they’ve made this year. One thing we haven’t really had to think too much about the past ten years is the toll the season is taking on the players.

There are often injuries at the end of the year, but we usually just think “oh well, the season’s almost over, they’ll have all summer to heal up.”  It’s a little different now though. The guys are battling harder than ever before. There is without a doubt some of them are playing with minor injuries. Now that we’ve made the playoffs, it’s only going to get worse. If you’re not already banged up, then you’re going to be soon. I can think of a few examples off the top of my head where guys could be playing injured.

Right before Nuge’s goal against the Kings on Tuesday, Jordan Eberle got knocked down from behind from Dustin Brown. While falling on top of him, Brown followed through with a cross check to Eberle’s ribs which looked to stun him. If Jordan isn’t playing with a couple bruised ribs right now then it’s safe to say Jordan has ribs of steel. Those Saskatchewan bones I tell ya!

PS – Eberle later returned the favour to Brown by dumping him in the corner that eventually led to Lil Nugey’s goal. Was awesome to see Eberle getting feisty against L.A. while playing with some grit.

We all remember this scary incident at the end of March when Maroon went straight to the dressing room after being violently cross-checked by Francois Beauchemin. How wasn’t this a penalty? I have no idea but I thought for sure Maroon broke some ribs on that jab as well. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if he DID break some ribs and is just playing through it… the man is a monster. I was shocked to see him return to the game so quickly. I’m not sure what’s up with Eberle and Maroon but they’re playing with unbreakable ribs right now. It’s important to note that these dirty, uncalled-for crosschecks are just the beginning. There are plenty more where those came from once the playoffs begin.

Kris Russell leads the league in blocked shots per game and is only three blocked shots away from leading the NHL. You can’t tell me that his body isn’t painted in black, brown, green or whatever other colours bruises appear as. I bet he has bruises on top of bruises on top of bruises – I’m no doctor but those things probably come out as a deep red colour with green spots in it. A level 5 bruise I’d imagine they call it. I have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning after getting punched in the shoulder, I can’t imagine what Russell and the rest of the team are going through right now.

As per usual, here’s your update on our current Injury Report veterans.

Pretty exciting times right now in the Injury Reporting world as Tyler Pitlick has surpassed the 100-day mark! His button and certificate is on the way to him now.

For those of you who are still wondering, no Andrew Ference is nowhere close to returning to the lineup. He will be on the IR until the end of time no matter what some guy on the Internet says on April Fools day. 

For any of YOUR injury needs, be sure to check them out. Visit their website or give them a call at (780) 466-1104.