What Happened
Isaac Howard will not play for the Edmonton Oilers against the New York Rangers on Sunday after leaving Saturday's game against the New York Islanders with a left leg injury. Howard was hurt less than three minutes into the game on a knee-on-knee collision with Emil Heineman and needed help off the ice without putting weight on the leg. According to Sportsnet's Mark Spector, initial medical evaluations suggest Howard avoided a serious injury.
Key Details
- Howard was injured on a knee-on-knee collision with Emil Heineman less than three minutes into Saturday's game.
- Heineman received a five-minute major and a game misconduct; Edmonton did not convert on the power play.
- Howard needed assistance off the ice and could not put weight on his left leg.
- Coach Babcock said the team hopes Howard needs only a recovery day and called the outlook favourable.
- Howard, 22, had one goal and two assists in 12 games entering Saturday.
What It Means
Howard's absence removes a young forward from Edmonton's lineup for at least one game, but the early medical read points to a short-term issue rather than a long absence. The Oilers also lost the power play that followed the collision without scoring, and Heineman's major and game misconduct ended his night early.
What's Next
Howard will be evaluated further if he does not improve after Sunday. Edmonton closes its road trip Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.