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Yakupov going from healthy scratch to second line

Edmonton Oilers v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 15: Nail Yakupov #64 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on December 15, 2013 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross

Nail Yakupov found himself in the press box on Tuesday. It was a familiar setting for the 20-year-old forward as he struggles to solidify his position with Edmonton.

Oilers coach Dallas Eakins isn’t making Yakupov wait long to get a second chance though. He’ll be back in Edmonton’s lineup tonight against the San Jose Sharks, according to the Edmonton Sun.

Now the question is how much he’ll actually play. Before being listed as a healthy scratch, Yakupov logged under 10 minutes in four straight contests. If nothing else, he’s projected to at least start the game on the second line with Sam Gagner and Jordan Eberle.

Eakins will be looking for Yakupov to stick to the game plan and not try to take matters into his own hands. His ability to do that will likely be a factor in determining how much responsibility he gets tonight.

Related:

Eakins to Yakupov: ‘You’ve got to earn it’

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