The playoffs may not start until Monday night, but the mind games have already begun.
Case in point: Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse, who has been out since getting injured on April 22 in a game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Will he play on Monday night, in Game 1 of the Oilers' series against the Los Angeles Kings? Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft remained coy on the subject, describing it as a game-time decision.
Nurse was a full participant at practice on Saturday and was on the ice, skating with usual partner Cody Ceci, during Monday's morning skate.
His return would provide a big boost, as Nurse led the team in ice time by nearly three minutes and contributed 35 points this season.
When asked about his own availability, Nurse simply replied "We'll see."
The Oilers open their playoff run Monday night at 10:15 p.m. ET/ 8:15 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and SN NOW.
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