Oilers’ Knoblauch expects Evander Kane to play in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t seem concerned about Evander Kane‘s ability to play in the Stanley Cup Final.

Knoblauch told reporters Tuesday that Kane is expected to practise Friday and be ready to play in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.

Kane sat on the bench for the majority of Game 6 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars because of an undisclosed injury on Sunday.

The forward was injured in the first period after delivering a body check on Stars’ Alex Petrovic and briefly went to the locker room. He did end up returning, but played just 4:39 in total, and did not take a single shift in the third period, despite remaining on the bench.

Kane, 32, scored 24 goals and 44 points this season — his third with the Oilers. In 18 playoff games, he added four goals and eight points.