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Oilers insider reveals another gutting update on Mattias Ekholm for round 2 of playoffs
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers gutted out a full team effort to win four straight games in the first round against the Kings without their top defender Mattias Ekholm, and now they'll have to do it again.
Insiders had previsouku reported that Ekholm could possibly return in the second round of the playoffs, and although Coach Knoblauch's comments were positive, other reports were not.
Oilers insider offers pessimistic update on Mattias Ekholm for round 2 of playoffs
After the Oilers series win over Los Angeles, Coach Knoblauch said that Mattias Ekholm was doubtful for round 2. That would suggest he hasn't been ruled out entirely.
However Oilers insider Jason Gregor reported he dan into Ekholm in Rogers Place, and ruled him out entirely if the second round.
Ekholm has missed a majority of games since the 4 Nations Faceoff with undisclosed injuries and illnesses.
He's been battling through issues all season, and when he has been in the lineup, he's not been the Ekholm we're used to.
Losing Ekholm is a major blow to the Oilers defence, but each player has rallied up and down the roster to play a more committed defensive game.
If the Oilers can find a way to beat the Golden Knights and play long enough to get Ekholm back on the ice, their blue line will be the best in the NHL, bar none. The trade for Jake Walman is looking better every day too.
They got past a solid defensive team in Los Angeles with a revamped offence and goaltending, and now they'll have another tough challenge in the Vegas Golden Knights.
| POLL | ||
MAI 2 | 992 ANSWERS Oilers insider reveals another gutting update on Mattias Ekholm for round 2 of playoffs Do you think Ekholm is the Oilers best defenceman? | ||
| Yes | 918 | 92.5 % |
| No | 74 | 7.5 % |
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