Oilers clarify injury update on Ekholm, answer turning point in first round of playoffs
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The Edmonton Oilers headed into this year's playoffs with multiple significant injury concerns, including missing top defenceman Mattias Ekholm - but they found a turning point to win.
Yesterday, some hope for Ekholm's return surfaced when Knoblauch said he was doubtful for the second round, and they've since clarified the statement.
Mattias Ekholm will not return to play in second round, but Oilers health is much improved
When speaking to the media today, Oilers coach Knoblauch did clarify that Ekholm will not play at all in the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Losing Ekholm is a significant blow, especially against a top end team like the Vegas Golden Knights.
One pairing in particular has been in some trouble -
Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard have been unreliable at best in their own zone. That pairing needs to be separated, but otherwise, the blue line has stepped up to fill Ekholm's absence. If he returns, the Oilers will be that much better.
The Oilers had some significant doubters entering the playoffs due to their goaltending and the multitude of injuries affecting key players.
Connor Brown admitted that the Oilers seemed to get healthy and find their chemistry after Game 2 against LA.
There was exponential growth from a chemistry point of view, from a health point of view for some guys. We're all feeling very comfortable with our group right now.
The concerns around injury and chemistry entering the playoffs were real, but the Oilers have responded as professionals. They've elevated their game and found ways to work together, despite many of these players playing together for the first time in Game 1.
The Oilers have now survived through the first round, and can carry some momentum for a huge second round battle against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
MAI 3 | 744 ANSWERS Oilers clarify injury update on Ekholm, answer turning point in first round of playoffs Do you think the Oilers can survive long enough to get Ekholm back? |
Yes | 653 | 87.8 % |
No | 91 | 12.2 % |
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