Edmonton Oilers release statement on condition of Mattias Ekholm
For the Oilers last game against the Washington Capitals, the Oilers were without their star defenceman Mattias Ekholm due to an illness. Today, the Oilers released a statement revealing that Ekholm is expected to miss at least tonight's game as well.
Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is expected to remain out of the Oilers lineup against the Avalanche on Saturday night. The blueliner was a late scratch before Wednesday night's 7-2 victory over Washington due to illness and is anticipated to miss his second straight game after Head Coach Kris Knoblauch said he would deploy the same lineup tonight.
Coach Knoblauch created some confusion earlier today when he said he would ice the same lineup tonight against Colorado, without clarifying Ekholm would remain out. This statement clears it up despite Ekholm practicing, and pretty much eliminates a likelihood of Ekholm playing tonight.
Against one of the top threats in the west in Colorado, the Oilers defensive depth will be tested. Ekholm is arguably their best defender in their own zone, and forms an incredibly balanced two-way pairing with Evan Bouchard. In replacement, the newly-acquired Troy Stetcher will enter the lineup.
| POLL | ||
Will the Oilers and Avalanche meet in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes, both teams will go deep | 410 | 65.1 % |
| No, one will be eliminated early | 180 | 28.6 % |
| See Results | 40 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
