Oilers deliver new injury updates, video on Calvin Pickard and Mattias Ekholm

Yesterday, reports surfaced from Oilers insiders that Ekholm is still considered weeks away from playing, but today Coach Knoblauch had a more optimistic tone.

According to TSN insider Ryan Rishaug, Oilers coach Knoblauch has specified that Calvin Pickard is deemed day to day, while Ekholm could return for the next series.

This is a much more positive update than yesterday's news that Ekholm could still be multiple weeks away.

If Ekholm was at least two weeks away from returning, that would peg his return date sometime halfway through the third round.

Ekholm was actually spotted in Rogers Place last night, congratulating Skinner on his shutout win. They'd veteran defenceman seemed to be limping while walking away, suggesting a lower body injury. Calvin Pickard was also there, walking tenderly.

Getting Ekholm back would make this current Oilers blue line the most complete it's ever been. The team got a great game from Troy Stecher last night, and John Klingberg has elevated his game to new heights. They'd be the two great depth players coming out for an all star like Ekholm.

If Pickard comes back soon, he may not even go back in the net right away. However, it'd be great insurance for the Oilers to be able to turn to Pickard again if Skinner falters. The Oilers are getting healthier at just the right time.