Edmonton Oilers issue critical update on Mattias Ekholm injury status

Mattias Ekholm has joined the Oilers in Dallas to continue full practices with the team, and has been skating very well at practice. After being partially present with the team for months, Ekholm looks very close to returning.

According to reporters at Oilers practice today, Coach Knoblauch has ruled out Ekholm from playing in Game 2.

Missing Ekholm in Game 2 would be a blow after the heartbreaking loss and stress on defence, but the Oilers should be able to survive a short while longer to get him back if needed.

However, at this point in the playoffs teams are never forthright with injury information, and often see players return earlier than expected.

Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock believes that there could be a chance Ekholm plays in Game 2 vs Dallas. It's very possible the Oilers aren't telling the truth in the media given how well Ekholm is moving in practice.

The Oilers defence went into total fire sale mode in the third period last night, with an avalanche of penalties throwing off their game and the coaches deploying random pairs on the blue line. It's easy to see why the anchor presence of Ekholm is desired.

If he doesn't play in Game 2 and the Oilers defence is still a mess, it seems like a return in Game 3 is likely for Ekholm.

When the veteran defenceman returns, the Oilers will have one of the deepest blue lines left in the NHL. Hopefully Ekholm will be a playoff-altering addition for the Edmonton Oilers.