Music: {allcanada} Nugent-Hopkins to miss time

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

{allcanada} Nugent-Hopkins to miss time

Edmonton Oilers star rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to miss several games with a shoulder injury.

In Monday's 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Nugent-Hopkins caught an edge, tripped and slid into the boards towards the end of the first period. The play looked innocent, but the 18-year-old left the game and didn't return.

On Tuesday after the team's morning skate Oilers head coach Tom Renney announced that Nugent-Hopkins will be re-evaluated and will not play Tuesday as the Oilers visit the Buffalo Sabres. The first-overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is expected miss at least the next two or three games and possibly more, according to Renney.

In 38 games this season the Burnaby, B.C., native has 13 goals and 35 points to lead all rookies in scoring.

Defenceman Tom Gilbert was also injured against Chicago and will miss Tuesday's game in Buffalo. Gilbert hurt his right knee when he was launched into the boards by Blackhawks forward Dan Carcillo midway through the second period. Carcillo was given a game misconduct and is scheduled to meet with the NHL to discuss possible supplementary discipline.

According to the team, Gilbert will take part in a light skate on Wednesday to determine whether he can play Thursday when the team takes on the St.Louis Blues.

Despite having a youthful, crowd-pleasing club, Edmonton has lost 13 of the past 16 games and currently sit in 13th place in the Western conference.