Adam Larsson is expected to return from an upper-body injury Monday night when the Edmonton Oilers host the San Jose Sharks.
Larsson has missed the last eight games. When the Oilers originally announced the injury, it was hoped he would only miss a game or two.
“I didn’t think it was going to be this long,” Larsson said. “I had a setback and it kind of took a little longer. I’m glad I could skate, so that kind of helped me get back to shape again.”
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers’ Adam Larsson placed on injured reserve
With Larsson returning, Yohann Auvitu will likely come out of the lineup.
The Oilers will be looking to win back-to-back games for just the third time this season. They sit at 14-17-2, eight points behind San Jose for third in the Pacific Division.
“We’re playing better than we were to start the season,” head coach Todd McLellan said.
“We can be playing better, but at the end of the day, the results have to better.”
The Oilers have won seven of their last 12. Cam Talbot will start in goal for the second straight game. He returned from an injury Saturday in Minnesota and made 29 saves in a 3-2 win.
READ MORE: Jesse Puljujarvi gets his shot on Edmonton Oilers power play
The Oilers expected lineup is:
Lucic – McDavid – Puljujarvi
Maroon – Nugent-Hopkins – Caggiula
Khaira – Draisaitl – Strome
Walker – Letestu – Kassia
Nurse – Russell
Klefbom – Benning
Davidson – Larsson
Talbot
Catch the Oilers and Sharks on 630 CHED with the Face-off Show at 5:30 p.m. The game starts at 7 p.m.