NHL schedule: Five questions for Monday

A daily feature which asks the five hardest-hitting questions imaginable about this day in the NHL. Will our quandaries be answered? (That doesn’t count as one of the five questions.)

by Matt Brigidi

Apr 8, 2013, 7:24 PM UTC

USA TODAY Sports

1. How is Justin Schultz's return to Anaheim going to go?

Don't know if he ever actually went to Anaheim in order to return there, but that's basically the point. Edmonton Oilers rookie defenseman Justin Schultz will be playing his first game against the Ducks on Monday night since opting not to sign with the team. Schultz was chosen with the No. 43 overall selection in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Ducks, but never signed an entry-level contract with the team. Due to a rule in the collective bargaining agreement, Schultz could become an unrestricted free agent if he didn't sign with the Ducks by the fourth year after his original selection.

He ultimately opted not to sign, which left many in the Ducks organization (and their fans) unhappy.

2. How will Ryan Kesler perform in his return?

Kesler has missed the majority of the 2013 season due to injury issues. He missed 19 games due to a broken bone in his foot and is expected to return on Monday night. He isn't expected to play on special teams and was paired with Mason Raymond and Zack Kassian in morning skate. How's he going to do?

3. Will the Phoenix Coyotes extend their three-game winning streak?

For a time, Phoenix appeared to be a long-shot to qualify for the playoffs this season. Now, the team is three points behind the eight seed and can close in on that gap with a victory on Monday night against the Vancouver Canucks.

4. Will Ryan Getzlaf play against the Oilers? If so, how effective will he be?

Getzlaf has missed the team’s last two games due to a lower-body injury. Head coach Bruce Boudreau announced earlier on Monday that Getzlaf will be a game-time decision.

5. Will Rick Nash continue his two-game scoring streak?

Nash has collected points in two-straight games, compiling a total of three points (two goals, an assist). Over his last four games, the New York Rangers leading scorer has collected five points. Will he add to that total against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night?