Oilers coach provides surprising update on Mattias Ekholm after gutting news
Photo credit: Postmedia
The Edmonton Oilers got the brutal news yesterday that Mattias Ekholm will be ruled out for the rest of the season, but the defender is pursuing a second medical opinion.
After test results yesterday confirmed the worst case scenario for Ekholm, the Oilers hinted that he may miss time with a serious injury - likely most or all of the playoffs.
Mattias Ekholm seeking second medical opinion after injury diagnosis
According to another update from Knoblauch today, Ekholm is going to see another doctor for a second opinion, and potentially furthering his chance of playing this postseason.
Not really an update on Mattias, but he's getting another look from another doctor to get a second opinion.
Right now it doesn't look like Mattias will be joining us immediately.
- Coach Knoblauch
Right now it doesn't look like Mattias will be joining us immediately.
- Coach Knoblauch
Knoblauch's downplaying of a real update on Ekholm does then confirm that the team is still considered about the serious injury they mentioned yesterday.
However, Ekholm is clearly itching to get back in the lineup if at all possible - just like he tried against the San Jose Sharks. If he can find another more optimistic opinion, perhaps a return sometime in the playoffs could be possible.
For now, the Oilers will be in big trouble without Mattias Ekholm. The 33 year old Swedish defender is an elite two way presence and the perfect partner for Evan Bouchard. Without Ekholm, their defence is significantly weaker, and they the best 5 man unit in the league.
Oilers will get reinforcements in lineup before playoffs
In addition to Ekholm, the Oilers have injury updates on several more players. Stuart Skinner will return to play tonight, Leon Draisaitl will be in for the last game of the season, Jake Walman and Nugent-Hopkins will be back before playoffs, and Trent Frederic may not play Game 1.
The Oilers long list of injuries is becoming a significant question mark heading into the playoffs. The priority now needs to be getting the team healthy and back on the ice to ramp up before a critical Game 1 on the road against Los Angeles.
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AVRIL 13 | 827 ANSWERS Oilers coach provides surprising update on Mattias Ekholm after gutting news Do you think Ekholm will play at all in the Oilers playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 394 | 47.6 % |
| No | 433 | 52.4 % |
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