Kasperi Kapanen returns to the Edmonton Oilers lineup on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. He’s excited to get back on the ice, but he’s quick to temper expectations. “I’m going to bring some physical excitement and energy. If you know I score a goal or two while I’m doing that, that’s just a bonus.”
“It’s not like I’m the answer to all the problems,” said Kapanen, who acknowledged the reality of his situation because he knows the Oilers depth will have to contribute. He returns from an injury-plagued spell, and as head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed, the winger is ‘munching on his teeth’.
The Oilers are desperate to attack the bottom six, but Kapanen’s return is not seen as a solution. The Oilers aren’t looking for a savior. They are looking for energy, speed and reliability at a time when the team has struggled to find consistency since the Christmas holidays.
Limited to just six games this season, Kapanen has dealt with multiple setbacks, including a lower-body injury suffered in October and another frustrating adjustment during a practice in late November. “It was a nothing game.” He said the latest injury was a fluke during the last practice match. It was deeply disappointing and he delivered a viral moment of frustration that he later admitted he regretted.
Now that he’s healthy, Kapanen gives Knoblauch another option – whether that’s on the forecheck, deep minutes or ultimately on the penalty kill. During practice he skated in the top six. It seems like Knoblauch expects him to help get that line going.
Kapanen’s return may come at the best time. Knoblauch is openly looking for energy, pace, reliability and urgency, and that is what Kapanen brings.
The positive thing about Kapanen’s injury was that his wife was pregnant so he could be with her at a time that was best for the family.
Next: Maple Leafs Find out Chris Tanev could be out for the season
#Kapanens #return #Oilers #Coach #specific #spark