Oilers coach all but confirms Mattias Ekholm's return date
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are heading home for Game 3 against the Dallas Stars tomorrow, and appear likely to finally see Mattias Ekholm return from injury.
Before the beginning of the third round, Coach Knoblauch ruled out Ekholm for Games 1 and 2. A return in Game 3 is the best case scenario, and it looks possible.
Oilers coach Knoblauch doesn't rule out Game 3 return for Mattias Ekholm
In a new interview with TSN's Ryan Rishaug, Knoblauch said that Ekholm's status remains day-to-day, but didn't rule him out of playing in the upcoming two home games.
Ekholm travelled with the team to Dallas to keep up participating in practices, a sign that a return is very close after he's missed over a month of full team practice.
When speaking to the media himself, Ekholm said that he's feeling good and couldn't reveal when a return was possible. However, his optimism and fact he was speaking with media suggests an imminent return - on top of the fact he travelled to Dallas.
I don't know what I'm supposed to answer and not answer here. I'm sure they did, right? I feel good, I didn't think I'd be in this position this quick. Our trainers have done a tremendous job with me, healing has gone better than I thought.
- Mattias Ekholm
- Mattias Ekholm
Ekholm's return will be huge boost, and cause tough decision
Getting their best two-way defender back will be a major boost to the Edmonton Oilers. With him back on the blue line, the Oilers may have the deepest group of defenceman left in the playoffs.
It will also cause a tough decision on a player to scratch. The Oilers defence has been playing great lately, especially depth players Troy Stecher and John Klingberg. Scratching a forward, and playing 11 forward and 7 defenceman seems possible.
It's a great problem for the Oilers to have, as their incredibly deep team is about to get a lot deeper. Hopefully, this can be an addition that puts the Oilers over the top.
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 1574 ANSWERS Oilers coach all but confirms Mattias Ekholm's return date Do you think Ekholm will return for Game 3? | ||
| Yes | 660 | 41.9 % |
| No | 914 | 58.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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