Edmonton Oilers confirm injury concerns on top pairing defenceman

It was confirmed earlier today that Ekholm who was stated to have a maintenance day has had an undisclosed injury and is likely out day today for the time being.

According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers have decided to go to a 11-7 format for the game.

He also revealed that John Klingberg and Ty Emberson will be entering due to the injuries that have been piling up against the team over the past couple of days.

He also made a surprising move by moving defenseman Troy Stecher into the team's bottom six forwards as the Oilers are also hard pressed against the cap.

This change in the lineup will have a fourth line with Kasperi Kapanen, Troy Stecher and Max Jones. The loss of Ekholm will now see defenseman Jake Walman on the top pairing alongside Evan Bouchard.

Head coach Knoblauch made a plea to his players a few days ago after Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid had fallen to injuries and have remained out of lineup. He told the media that his players can play more minutes than they used to and that they could step up their game and be ready for the playoffs.

The Oilers are now also without their top goaltender Stuart Skinner as he remains day-to-day which has allowed the Oilers to recall Bakersfield condors starting goalie Olivier Rodrigue to backup Calvin Pickard.

Depending on how long Skinner is out, there is a possibility that Rodrigue could find himself a start before Skinner's return.

The Oilers have 10 games remaining in the schedule and will face off against their provincial foes the Calgary Flames on Saturday March 29th with game time at 10:00 PM Eastern.