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Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm ruled out after missing multiple practices
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Moments ago, the Edmonton Oilers revealed that defenceman Mattias Ekholm will be pulled from the lineup for tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ekholm had missed multiple practices this week, and was named as a game-time decision with illness earlier this week. He's clearly trying to play through the illness, but tonight couldn't do it.
Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm pulled from lineup in warmup against Toronto Maple Leafs
According to numerous reports from Oilers insiders and Coach Knoblauch, Ekholm has been dealing with this illness for close to a week.
Losing Ekholm for a big game against the Toronto Maple Leafs obviously stings, but it's positive to hear that it's only illness affecting him, instead of an injury. John Klingberg was also reportedly ill this week, but will get into the lineup tonight.
In Ekholm's absence, Troy Stecher will come back into the lineup. Brett Kulak will play alongside Evan Bouchard, John Klingberg will play with Darnell Nurse, and Ty Emberson with Stecher.
Some fans had some concern that the 34 year old Mattias Ekholm could be playing through injury, or could be playing too much for his age. It's reassuring that tonight's absence is only an illness - he may be the team's best defenceman.
Before tonight's game, a few Maple
Leafs forwards spoke out about Connor McDavid's comments yesterday about the NHL favouring Toronto with the schedule. Maybe, there could even be some fireworks tonight.
Leafs forwards spoke out about Connor McDavid's comments yesterday about the NHL favouring Toronto with the schedule. Maybe, there could even be some fireworks tonight.
Hopefully even without their stalwart on the blueline, the Oilers are able to handle the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice tonight.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1 | 296 ANSWERS Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm ruled out after missing multiple practices Do you think Ekholm is playing through an injury, or is it just illness? | ||
| Just illness | 237 | 80.1 % |
| Injury | 59 | 19.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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