HOME     POLLS     SEARCH

TRENDING NOW


Oilers clarify injury update on Ekholm, answer turning point in first round of playoffs


PUBLICATION
Liam McCormick
May 3, 2025  (2:33 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY
FOLLOW US

Coach Knoblauch with the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw

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.
The Oilers blue line has been able to shoulder the load, especially off great performances from Jake Walman, Brett Kulak, Evan Bouchard, and John Klingberg.
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.

Connor Brown identifies turning point for Oilers playoffs

The Oilers had some significant doubters entering the playoffs due to their goaltending and the multitude of injuries affecting key players.
Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jake Walman, and Mattias Ekholm all missed game 82 with more significant injuries prior.
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.
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?

Yes65387.8 %
No9112.2 %
List of polls

OILERSDAILY.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES