Oilers coach has long conversation with Mattias Ekholm suggesting great news
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was seen having a long conversation with top defenceman Mattias Ekholm today, which could suggest he's very close to a return.
Ekholm had been ruled out with injury for the first two games against Dallas, but still travelled with the team to continue practicing - and a sign a return is imminent.
Oilers coach Knoblauch seen having long conversation with Ekholm draws speculation of imminent return
Multiple Oilers reporters noticed today that Ekholm and Knoblauch had a long chat while skating to open today's practice. Presumably, the Oilers coach was checking up with the veteran to see how he's feeling.
When asked about this exchange after practice, Coach Knoblauch did say that he was checking in with Ekholm - but more so on a personal level, instead of a status.
Long talk. Just checking up on his family, his son William and how he's doing in hockey, summer sports, school and all that stuff.
But Ekky's feeling good. Obviously he's missing out watching games. It's a very difficult part of it when you're not playing.
- Coach Knoblauch
But Ekky's feeling good. Obviously he's missing out watching games. It's a very difficult part of it when you're not playing.
- Coach Knoblauch
Knoblauch didn't commit to any change in status and seemed very positive speaking about Ekholm, which is very promising to see.
Now taking multiple practices with the team, some Oilers analysts even believed a return for Game 2 could be possible. Knoblauch didn't address a return time directly, but a return in Game 3 for Ekholm looks like a real possibility.
The Oilers have done a commendable job surviving Ekholm's playoff absence, but now in the stretch run, adding back their top two way defender would be an incredible boost. It may even give the team the deepest blue line remaining in the NHL.
Oilers fans should have very good reason to be hopeful that Ekholm is back in Game 3 on home ice for his first game of the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
MAI 23 | 1082 ANSWERS Oilers coach has long conversation with Mattias Ekholm suggesting great news Do you think Ekholm will return in Game 3? | ||
| Yes | 571 | 52.8 % |
| No | 511 | 47.2 % |
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