Oilers provide surprising update on Mattias Ekholm injury and return timeline
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The Edmonton Oilers have suffered a major loss with Mattias Ekholm out of their lineup in the first round, but he could be on track to return later in the playoffs.
A few weeks ago, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer revealed that Ekholm's injury may keep him out beyond the first round. Now, it seems like they have a more concrete idea of his return timeline.
Mattias Ekholm would be on track to return in third round of playoffs
According to a new report from insider Jason Gregor, Ekholm has been deemed unlikely to appear in Round 2, but a return in Round 3 could be possible.
It's greatly encouraging news for the Oilers that he's still working to get back in the lineup, but a return in the third round is so far away. The Oilers will need to pass through significant challenges to win the first two rounds to get Ekholm back.
However, if the Oilers find themselves in the third round again, Ekholm returning to play in full health could be a league shifting move.
Ekholm's injury is currently undisclosed by the Oilers, as is usual for the playoffs. The veteran defenceman has been dealing with significant injury and illnesses this season that caused him to miss a majority of games after the 4 Nations Faceoff break.
Oilers defence beginning to find itself without Ekholm
After a rough first two games in Los Angeles though, the Oilers defence is somewhat finding their stride without Ekholm.
The most recent defence pairings used in the third period featuring Walman with Bouchard and Nurse with Kulak proved to be very effective. Those four veterans should be able to form a minute-munching top group, and potentially survive until Ekholm returns.
Game 5 in Los Angeles will be a critical turning point as the series shifts to a best of 3. Hopefully the Oilers defence can keep building, and keep finding a way to win without their most well-rounded defender.
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AVRIL 28 | 967 ANSWERS Oilers provide surprising update on Mattias Ekholm injury and return timeline Do you think Ekholm is the Oilers best defenceman? | ||
| Yes | 877 | 90.7 % |
| No | 90 | 9.3 % |
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