BY GENE PRINCIPE
sportsnet.ca

Ales Hemsky.

Edmonton forward Ales Hemsky underwent an MRI Thursday on his shoulder following the injury he sustained in Wednesday's 3-1 loss against the L.A. Kings. Hemsky, who was hit from behind by Michal Handzus in the second period, will not play Friday night vs. San Jose.

Hemsky also missed three games earlier this season because of a shoulder problem.

Dustin Penner, Sheldon Souray, Shawn Horcoff, Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios and Jason Strudwick also did not practise Thursday. They were given the day off as head coach Pat Quinn was trying to rest those who played somewhere in the 20-minute range.

Still no sign of Nikolai Khabibulin. Since he had to pull out of his scheduled start last Saturday against Chicago the netminder hasn't been on the ice. Khabibulin is having an issue with his back and continues to be, at least for now, out on a day-to-day basis.

Liam Reddox has been sent back to Springfield of the AHL. While he had an impact upon being recalled Reddox has struggled, especially defensively. In nine games this year he had two assists.

Robert Nilsson can practise but he still can't play. On Nov. 8 he suffered a concussion against Colorado. He skated once again Thursday but as of yet hasn't been cleared for game action. He's missed a total of 13 games this season.