Edmonton Oilers fans may need to lower expectations about Ekholm returns – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton City buzzed again as the Oilers reached the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season, for the third time in four years. The Oilers will advance with the Dallas Stars for the second year in a row, as they beat them in six games last year to advance to the Stanley Cup final.

Related: 4 keys to hit stars in the Western Conference Final

Many areas of the Oilers have been impressed this year, with one being the depth score they earned throughout the roster. That said, most impressively, they were able to knock out two very good teams from the Los Angeles Kings and Las Vegas Golden Knights in a roster without Mattias Ekholm.

Ekholm hasn’t adapted in the playoffs yet due to undisclosed illness. He has been ruled out in two games in the Western Conference Finals, but will be ready soon. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, given that the 34-year-old has maintained his dominance during his oil work as a senior. That said, they should also be well prepared that over the past few years it may be different from the players they are used to.

Ekholm fights big damage

Although we don’t know what damage Ekholm is dealing with, it’s obviously a serious injury. Players often get through the playoffs, and the Swedish Blueliner is tough and he can’t play in the first two rounds, indicating he’s dealing with something serious.

Most importantly, he has been left out in the two opening games of the upcoming series, which shows that he is not 100% healthy anywhere. Again, the player has worked hard at this time of year and at least in the next few games, he won’t be able to do it due to this damage, which shows that it’s more than just bumps or bruises.

All of this questioned the effect of Ekholm when he came back. The mentality that many fans seem to be that he will jump back immediately and become a reliable first-class choice, just like he used to be with Evan Bouchard. It’s important to remember when, or if he can return, he won’t play at 100%. Not only does this mean that his meeting time will need to be reduced, but he may not be as effective either.

Related: 6 Reasons Why the Oilers Will Win the Stanley Cup

It is also worth mentioning that Ekholm’s game speed will return to the arena. He hasn’t played for more than a month and hopes he can get speed right away in the Western Conference finals is a huge greeting. Some will point to Evander Kane, who hasn’t missed any rhythm throughout the regular season. Although this is a reasonable point of view, the Kings are simply a long way from the team. Additionally, Kane is considered to have recovered from health. Ekholm won’t do that.

Ekholm may play a limited role

Given that the Oilers’ blue line is excellent in Ekholm’s absence, head coach Kris Knoblauch should be able to put the veterans back on the roster as he prepares to return. Fans should prepare him for the role of a fairly smallest third place, rather than over 20 minutes of each outing. This is not to say he can’t or won’t work in this role, but those who expect him to be able to return and perform immediately, like the top NHL defenders, need a lot of ways to ease their expectations.