New Oilers Defender Is Playoff Hidden Gem
John Klingberg (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
EDMONTON – 'We knew we could get some good things out of him.'
The Edmonton Oilers were always betting on John Klingberg. But, it wasn't a smooth ride from when they signed the defender midseason to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch was singing Klingberg's praises in his post game scrum with the media present after their Game 1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.
'Probably the turning point or the pick-me-up is probably after we score that goal,' Knoblauch stated. 'I think John makes a great play (to) break that puck out, leads to a good rush.'
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Connor McDavid would eventually pass the puck to Corey Perry, who then scored the Oilers' first goal of the night.
With veteran blueliner Mattias Ekholm missing from the backend, several players must fill the gaps. Klingberg has been one of those guys.
John Klingberg Stepping Up In The Absence Of Mattias Ekholm
'We knew John could handle it,' Knoblauch revealed. 'He's been a number one defenseman for many years in this league…just not this year (or) last year.'
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'But, we knew that when we needed him he could give us some quality minutes and some quality play.'
Klingberg has settled into a groove during the playoffs after a shaky (and sporadic) stint in the regular season. He only has two points in six games while averaging 19:34 a night, but his breakout passes have led to scoring opportunities on the other end of the ice. They have also led to goals, even if he isn't rewarded with a point.
Knoblauch revealed that the Oilers knew they would get good things out of Klingberg. It's also fair to say that he's been exceeding expectations.
'We knew we could get some good things out of him, not necessarily at the level he's playing right now. Because he's been helping our team quite a bit since he came into our lineup for Game 2 against LA.'
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