Khaira out tonight as the Oilers face the Coyotes

The Oilers are set for their second game in the desert in less than 24 hours as they get ready to take on the Arizona Coyotes this evening. Yesterday, they were in Vegas to face the Golden Knights. The Oilers came away with a well-earned 4-2 victory.

As they look for another W tonight, the Oilers released some bad news. Jujhar Khaira will miss tonight's game with a hand injury. Khaira has established himself as a main-stay in Edmonton's lineup over the course of the last few seasons and is heavily relied upon as a role player. His injury means that coach Tippett had to shake up his lineup.

Joakim Nygard will step back into the lineup after being scratched yesterday. He will feature on the 4th line alongside Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald. Alex Chiasson will take Khaira's vacant spot on the second line as he plays with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal this evening.

On defense, Adam Larsson gets a promotion to the 2nd pair where he will play with Oscar Klefbom. Caleb Jones will form the 3rd pair with veteran Kris Russell.

After getting the win for his team yesterday, Mike Smith will get a rest. Mikko Koskinen steps in as the starting goalie for the game in Scottsdale.

Here is the Oilers' projected lineup for this evening's matchup according to NHL.com correspondent Alan Robinson:

Forwards:

Leon Draisaitl - Connor McDavid - Zack Kassian

Alex Chiasson - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - James Neal

Patrick Russell - Gaetan Haas - Markus Granlund

Joakim Nygard - Riley Sheahan - Josh Archibald

Defensemen:

Darnell Nurse - Ethan Bear

Adam Larsson - Oscar Klefbom

Kris Russell - Caleb Jones

Goaltenders:

Mikko Koskinen

Mike Smith

Sam Gagner is set to be the only healthy scratch. Brandon Manning and Matt Benning are still recovering from injuries.

The Coyotes seek their 6th win in their last 8 games tonight as they are enjoying a great run of form. It should be a great game of Hockey!