Mattias Ekholm raises eyebrows with his comments after Oilers practice
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers are officially headed to the Western Conference Final, and will receive a huge boost to their lineup with the return of Mattias Ekholm.
Ekholm was originally ruled out for the first two games of the series, and later reports suggest a return in Game 5 of 6 is more likely - but now Ekholm himself is raising eyebrows.
Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm confirms he's close to returning to play
While the Oilers seem to be tempering expectations for Ekholm's return date, the defenceman himself seemed genuinely thrilled to be close to playing again - maybe closer than the Oilers are letting on.
I don't know what I'm supposed to answer and not answer here. I'm sure they did, right? I feel good, I didn't think I'd be in this position this quick. Our trainers have done a tremendous job with me, healing has gone better than I thought. Still, just trying to take it day by day.
- Mattias Ekholm
- Mattias Ekholm
Ekholm's speaking with a tone that he could be ready to enter the lineup possibly sooner than expected. Taking things day by day, if he feels good enough for consecutive days, getting back in the lineup even with limited minutes could be an option.
Official team sources are the ones pushing back Ekholm's potential return date, but in the playoffs, deploying some mind games in the media is usual. Ekholm has been skating now for a while, and looks close to playing condition.
The 34 year old defenceman has been out for the entire playoffs with an undisclosed injury, and has battled through multiple issues for the back half of the season. Whatever the injury was, it must have been severe.
When Ekholm returns the Oilers will have one of the deepest defence groups remaining in the NHL playoffs. It'll strengthen the team's hardened defensive identity, and let their offensive weapons reliably take over games.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 647 ANSWERS Mattias Ekholm raises eyebrows with his comments after Oilers practice Do you think Ekholm could play in Game 2 or earlier vs the Dallas Stars? | ||
| Yes | 415 | 64.1 % |
| No | 232 | 35.9 % |
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