Better late than never! Evander Kane finally made his return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. It had been almost 10 long months since Kane last played, with his last appearance dating back to June 10, 2024, in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. The 33-year-old winger was eager to contribute after a grueling recovery process that included surgeries for two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias, and two torn lower abdominal muscles, as well as arthroscopic knee surgery in January 2025.
“It’s obviously been a long time since I last played a game, so it’s nice to get in and get an opportunity to contribute,” Kane told Derek Van Diest of nhl.com after the morning skate. This marked a significant moment for the Oilers, who were looking to bounce back after losing Game 1 of the series 6-5. Kane's physicality and experience were sorely missed in that matchup, especially with the team dealing with a slew of injuries to key players like Connor McDavid and starting goalie Stuart Skinner.
During the morning skate, Kane was seen taking line rushes with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman on the Oilers' second line. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl returned to the lineup, taking his place on the top line alongside McDavid. Head coach Kris Knoblauch made some significant adjustments after the disappointing Game 1 performance, which saw the Oilers give up four goals and then mount a late comeback that ultimately fell short.
“We’ve had a dozen or so games together over the past,” Kane said of his new linemates. “Two really hard-working guys. I think if we play our game and keep things simple, it’s a great opportunity to have some success together.” The Oilers needed to start strong in Game 2, as Kane pointed out, “Out of every single team in the league, (to spot) L.A. four goals, I don’t know if we’re going to be able to come back every single time like that.”
In addition to Kane, defenseman John Klingberg also returned to the lineup for Game 2, replacing Josh Brown, who played only 4:54 in Game 1. Klingberg had missed 19 of the final 20 regular-season games due to injury. Knoblauch expressed confidence in Klingberg's ability to handle the pressure of playoff hockey, stating, “He’s been out for several weeks now, but a guy that’s had a long NHL career, a lot of playoff games, he can handle the pressure of the moment.”
As the Oilers prepared for this crucial game, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were hopeful that Kane's return would ignite the team and help them even the series against the Kings. With the stakes so high, the Oilers were determined to come out strong and set the tone early. Kane's presence in the lineup was expected to bolster the team's physical play, which was essential for their playoff success.
“I was always very confident that I’d be back playing,” Kane said, reflecting on his long journey back to the ice. “Obviously, I was unsure when that was going to happen, but I’m looking forward to tonight.” He added, “It’s night and day from the last time you saw me in a playoff game. Hopefully it looks that way, at least.”
In Game 1, the Oilers struggled defensively, allowing the Kings to score crucial goals late in the game. Connor McDavid, despite his impressive three-point performance, couldn’t carry the team to victory alone. The Oilers needed to tighten their defense and capitalize on their scoring opportunities to avoid falling into a deeper hole in the series.
With Kane and Klingberg back in the mix, the Oilers aimed to shake off the rust and regain their momentum. The team had a mix of veteran presence and youthful energy, which they hoped would translate into a more cohesive performance on the ice.
As the puck dropped for Game 2, the Oilers knew they had to play with urgency. Kane’s return was not just a personal milestone but a potential turning point for the team. With the playoff atmosphere at Crypto.com Arena buzzing, all eyes were on the Oilers as they sought to even the series against their bitter rivals, the Kings.
“We understand we have to start on time and be ready to go off the hop,” Kane said. The Oilers’ ability to score first would be crucial, as they looked to set the tone early and build a lead. The pressure was on, and the team was determined to rise to the occasion.
In the end, the Oilers were not just playing for a win but also for the pride of their franchise and their loyal fanbase. With Kane back in the lineup, they hoped to channel the energy and tenacity he brings to the game. The stakes were high, and the Oilers were ready to fight for every inch on the ice.
As the game unfolded, fans were left on the edge of their seats, eager to see if Kane and the Oilers could overcome the odds and secure a much-needed victory in this pivotal playoff matchup. The excitement was palpable, and the journey had just begun.
