Mattias Ekholm directly addresses injury and return date vs Dallas Stars
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers may finally see the return of top defenceman Mattias Ekholm in tomorrow's Game 4 matchup against the Dallas Stars, according to Ekholm himself.
The Oilers initially ruled out Ekholm for Games 1 and 2 of the Conference Final, and now before Game 4 the veteran defender is clearly itching to return.
Mattias Ekholm says he's ready to play in Game 4 vs Dallas Stars
Speaking to media after practice today, Ekholm clarified that he feels ready to play in tomorrow's game, and is only seeking the clearance of the Oilers' medical staff.
I feel really good. I think it's imminent, soon at least. Whether it's tomorrow, the next game or whatever it is, I'm really happy with my body and the way I feel. Really excited about where the team's at and how they're playing.
- Mattias Ekholm
- Mattias Ekholm
With Ekholm fully saying that he's ready to play, it's now just in the hands of the Coach when to put him back into the lineup.
According to Knoblauch, it's currently undecided when Ekholm will return - and if the Oilers will run 7 defenceman when he does. Additionally, Connor Brown has been ruled out, and Calvin Pickard could return.
Edmonton Oilers preparing for return of Mattias Ekholm
It truly is astounding how well the Oilers have pieced together their blue line and had success without Ekholm eating 20+ minutes each night like usual.
When he returns, the Oilers will add an elite two-way player to their blue line - vastly improving a team that's already firing on all cylinders. Ekholm has always been the perfect partner to settle Evan Bouchard, but even he has dialled up his two-way game in Ekholm's absence.
Getting Ekholm back will improve the Oilers blue line to such a degree that it could be a deciding factor in the final two rounds. The Oilers will now have the deepest blue line left in the playoffs, and that's to go along with their high octane offensive superstars.
The pieces are coming together for the Oilers to finally get back to the Cup Final, and take care of unfinished business.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 1096 ANSWERS Mattias Ekholm directly addresses injury and return date vs Dallas Stars Do you think Ekholm is the best defender on the Oilers? | ||
| Yes, he's the best all-around player | 956 | 87.2 % |
| No, Bouchard is better | 140 | 12.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
