For the Oilers last game against the Washington Capitals, the Oilers were without their star defenceman Mattias Ekholm due to an illness. Today, the Oilers released a statement revealing that Ekholm is expected to miss at least tonight's game as well.
Coach Knoblauch created some confusion earlier today when he said he would ice the same lineup tonight against Colorado, without clarifying Ekholm would remain out. This statement clears it up despite Ekholm practicing, and pretty much eliminates a likelihood of Ekholm playing tonight.
Against one of the top threats in the west in Colorado, the Oilers defensive depth will be tested. Ekholm is arguably their best defender in their own zone, and forms an incredibly balanced two-way pairing with Evan Bouchard. In replacement, the newly-acquired Troy Stetcher will enter the lineup.
