Edmonton Oilers coach gives encouraging injury update on Ekholm
The Edmonton Oilers may not have to wait too much longer to welcome back a key member of their blueline.
The Oilers received a huge blow shortly before the playoffs began, as it was reported that Mattias Ekholm had suffered an injury that some believed would keep him sidelined for the entirety of the postseason. Thankfully, that no longer appears to be the case.
The Oilers have been able to get by without Ekholm, as they are just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Final. Should they eliminate the Vegas Golden Knights, they may have the 34-year-old back in the lineup at some point next round.
“Mattias has been on the ice for light skates,” head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters. “He will not be joining us this series. We’re hopeful that he can join us next series if we’re able to get to that”
Ekholm has been a horse for the Oilers since being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, logging huge minutes in all situations for a team that, at the time of trading for him, was in desperate need of a top-pairing defenceman. Getting him back would significantly increase their chances of returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year.
Another positive injury update pertained to Calvin Pickard, who Knoblauch deemed, “day to day.” The 32-year-old was forced to miss the past two games due to an undisclosed injury, but appears to be near a return, as he was deemed day-to-day. Prior to his injury, he had recorded a perfect 6-0-0 record.
Whether Pickard will get the net back remains to be seen, as Stuart Skinner was able to pick up a shutout in Monday’s 3-0 win over the Golden Knights. Regardless, having Pickard back as an option once again will be a big luxury for this group.
The Oilers will have an opportunity to eliminate the Golden Knights on Wednesday night, though doing so at the T-Mobile Arena will be no easy feat. Should they suceed, they will await the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets to determine who they will face off against in the Western Conference Final.
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