The Edmonton Oilers will be down a forward Sunday — but potentially not much longer than that.
Isaac Howard won't play against the New York Rangers (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. ABT) but appears to have avoided a serious injury after exiting Saturday's game against the New York Islanders following a knee-on-knee collision with Emil Heineman, Sportsnet's Mark Spector reported.
“We're hoping for a recovery day (Sunday), and then if he doesn't (feel better), we'll get on with the medical part of looking into it. But they think it's favourable,” Babcock told reporters post-game Saturday.
Heineman, who threw his stick as he left the game, was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play, but the Oilers could not convert.
Howard had to be helped off the ice, unable to put any weight on his left leg after the hit occurred less than three minutes after puck drop.
The 22-year-old had one goal and two assists in 12 games entering Saturday's action.
Edmonton wraps its road trip against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
