The Oilers got some good news today as Ryan Rishaug revealed that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did not suffer a concussion on Saturday night in Vegas, but rather some bruising that should clear up by the end of this week.

About midway through the second period of Saturday’s game, Nuge took a high (clean) hit from Brayden McNabb at the Vegas blue line and you could tell instantly that something was wrong. From the way he left the ice, I was concerned that it was either his shoulder or a head injury, both of which would have been awful. All I know for sure is that it didn’t look good. It goes without saying that one of the positives to come out of this horrible season was the bounce back year for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and to see him leave the game against Vegas was bad news.

The fact that he only has some “bruising” that should hopefully clear up by the time this bye week is over is nothing short amazing news. At this point, Nugent-Hopkins is the Oilers’ leading goal scorer and to have him not miss any time is rather fortunate based on how uncomfortable he looked after the McNabb hit. If the Oilers have any hopes of getting themselves back into playoff contention, they’re going to need all guns blazing and RNH is certainly a part of that. Let’s just hope that the week off will be enough time for him to get back to where he needs to be.

Rest up, Nuge, we’re gonna need you.