Desharnais to join Oilers lineup for Game 2, Ceci expected to sit

An intriguing move ahead of the second game of the Stanley Cup Final.

During the Edmonton Oilers morning skate on Monday in the lead-up to Game 2 of the best-of-seven series with the Florida Panthers, Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli reported that defenseman Vincent Desharnais was taking reps with Darnell Nurse, on what would be the Oilers’ second pair. Cody Ceci was seen skating alongside Philip Kemp, pointing toward Ceci being stretched from the lineup.

At morning skate, #Oilers have Darnell Nurse with Vinny Desharnais ahead of Game 2.

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Appears Cody Ceci may be a healthy scratch.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 10, 2024

Ceci has played every game of these playoffs for Edmonton.

Desharnais had been a consistent figure in the Oilers’ lineup throughout the postseason but has not played since Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. It is not yet known what exactly led to the change, but Desharnais does bring an extra level of toughness that might be what Edmonton needs to even up the series before heading back home.

The Oilers came out with a lot of jump against the Panthers in Game 1 this past Saturday, but could not beat Sergei Bobrovsky, leading to a 3-0 loss, the first time Edmonton has been shut out this postseason.

Desharnais has appeared in 15 games so far in these playoffs, registering an assist in Game 5 of the Pacific Divison Final against the Vancouver Canucks. He has been averaging 17:19 of ice time, with a plus/minus of -8.

The 28-year-old has played 27 career postseason games, all with the Oilers, posting three assists. In his first full regular season in the NHL, Desharnais scored a goal and 11 points in 78 games, playing an average of 15:43 with a plus/minus of +3. He has amassed 16 points in 114 career appearances.

Game 2 in Sunrise is set for Monday night at 8 p.m. ET.