Oilers' Archibald, Barrie return to lineup vs. Lightning

Edmonton Oilers forward Josh Archibald and defenseman Tyson Barrie got back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Oilers activated Archibald from long-term injured reserve and removed Barrie from injured reserve Saturday afternoon.

Archibald had yet to play this season before Saturday's matchup due to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, after contracting COVID-19. Oilers general manager Ken Holland confirmed in September that Archibald was unvaccinated.

"I think (Archibald) can help our team win a game here," head coach Jay Woodcroft said Saturday, according to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman. "That's what we're all about."

Woodcroft told reporters Archibald currently can't play games outside of Alberta because of his vaccination status and would have to drive to play the Flames in Calgary.

Barrie, meanwhile, suffered an upper-body injury against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 3 and missed the Oilers' previous three games.

Archibald was projected to play on the fourth line alongside Zack Kassian and Brad Malone. Barrie was expected to slot in on Edmonton's third defensive pairing with Philip Broberg.

Archibald, 29, entered Saturday's tilt with 39 goals and 31 assists in 235 NHL games.

Barrie, 30, collected three goals and 20 assists in 49 contests this season while averaging 19 minutes of ice time a night before the game against the Lightning.