After a few weeks of constant line shuffling, the Oilers are icing what could be considered their "regular" lineup tonight as they visit the Canucks in Vancouver.

Edmonton Oilers have effected a transition that some had foreseen for quite some time. Deeply-respected but aging vet Derek Ryan had already seen his ice time dwindle to single-digit minutes per game.

Pierre-Luc Dubois had a goal and an assist as the league-leading Washington Capitals won their fifth game in a row, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Tuesday. Tom Wilson and Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals (32-10-5) who have earned at least a point in an NHL-high 11 straight games, going 8-0-3 in that span.

The difference in the game was great goaltending from Washington’s Logan Thompson — who was strangely left off of the Team Canada roster — and the fact that the Edmonton power play without McDavid was anemic, with not one Grade A shot in three opportunities.

The Edmonton Oilers potentially bolstered their defense Friday by signing free agent John Klingberg, a low-risk move that could amount to adding a top-four blueliner.

Derek Ryan’s life was turned upside down this week when the 38-year-old veteran of 600 NHL games was put on waivers. He cleared, with no takers for his services, opening the door for a trip to the farm in Bakersfield.

THROUGH GAMES OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22, 2025

With Ryan on waivers, fellow U of A alum Noah Philp will take on a full-time role as fourth-line centre, while Corey Perry, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jeff Skinner continue to rotate on and off his wings for the time being. If he clears waivers, Ryan will provide invaluable experience to the youngsters in Bakersfield.

The expectations for the Chicago Blackhawks this year were low. Now in year two of the Connor Bedard era, there was a thought they could take a slight step forward and become a more competitive team.