Latest news with #Ekholm
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Veteran presence and key returns shape Oilers' projected Game 1 lineup for Stanley Cup Final
The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice on Sunday for a crucial practice session that may have revealed their intended lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. With Zach Hyman expected to miss the series due to injury, veteran forward Corey Perry slotted in alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and captain Connor McDavid on the top line. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though Perry recently turned 40, his experience and performance so far in the playoffs seem to have earned him the coaching staff's trust in this vital role. Defensive core stabilizes with Ekholm return 'The Oilers are a better puck moving team': Rishaug on Stanley Cup rematch While Hyman's absence has impacted the offense, the defense appears more settled thanks to the return of Mattias Ekholm. His time off due to injury during earlier playoff rounds could now work in the Oilers' favor, allowing him to come back refreshed at a crucial moment. Troy Stecher and Ty Emberson also participated in the practice. Stecher, who previously stepped up during Ekholm's absence, remains a strong candidate for insertion into the lineup if adjustments are needed. Tactical depth and veteran presence is leading strategy The Edmonton Oilers (Credit: Getty Image) This projected lineup reflects a strategy focused on balance. Between seasoned veterans and playoff-tested younger players. Perry's elevation to the top line underlines the importance of experience. Especially in high-pressure scenarios, his presence might not replicate Hyman's production. But could offer a more composed and physical style suited to playoff hockey. Knoblauch's flexibility with depth players like Brown, Ryan, and Stecher. They point to a mindset ready for quick changes. Based on performance or matchup needs, with the team's top stars healthy and defensive reinforcements in place, Edmonton appears poised to field a lineup designed for resilience and adaptability. Read more: Sunday's practice wasn't just a tune-up; it may have given fans the clearest look yet at what to expect when the puck drops for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. With significant changes brought on by injuries and timely recoveries, the Oilers seem ready to lean on both their stars and their bench to navigate hockey's most demanding stage.
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Ekholm returns from injury for Oilers in Game 5 against Stars: ‘I shouldn't be here'
DALLAS - Mattias Ekholm called watching the Stanley Cup playoffs one of the most difficult things he's endured in hockey. 'Nerve-racking,' the Edmonton Oilers defenceman said earlier this week. 'Not fun.' His teammates did their part. Ekholm is now back healthy and ready to join the fray. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The 35-year-old Swede entered the lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Ekholm suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down. 'It's been a journey,' the top-pair blueliner said following Edmonton's full morning skate at American Airlines Center. 'Since I got hurt, I've had a feeling the team's going to do their part. It was up to me to find ways to get healthy as quick as possible. I've done everything in my power.' He also credited the Oilers' organization with his recovery. 'It almost feels like if there's a guy or girl on this planet that could help this move forward, we've been in touch with them,' Ekholm said. 'These last couple weeks, been a lot of anxious moments watching the games. But just feel like it's been a pretty steady progress up until this point. Really happy where it's at. 'If you look at the initial prognosis, I shouldn't be here.' Ekholm lined up alongside usual defence partner Evan Bouchard for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and are 60 minutes from a second consecutive Cup final appearance. 'A guy that's been playing big minutes for us since pretty much he's came to Edmonton,' said head coach Kris Knoblauch. 'Playing a shutdown role, penalty kill role, some power play. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'A great addition to our team.' Ekholm returned at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery. 'Extremely disappointing to lose (Hyman),' McDavid said. 'Devastated for him. He wants to be out there, wants to make a difference. We'll all miss him a lot, but great to see (Ekholm) come back. He's put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. 'Credit to him, credit to the training staff.' Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner took Hyman's place on the roster and suited up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-year career. 'Exciting to get going,' said Skinner, whose only other playoff appearance came in the first-round opener against the Los Angeles Kings. 'Guys have been battling hard for a while now … nice to get in there and try and contribute.' Knoblauch praised Skinner's overall approach this season. He signed a one-year, US$3-million contract in the Alberta capital after getting bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, but put up just 16 goals and 13 assists across 72 contests in 2024-25. 'Jeff is an outstanding professional,' Knoblauch said. 'What you want from a player, he has brought. Outstanding attitude. You see that at practices, always smiling, having fun, engaging with his teammates. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'A guy that can score a big goal. Hopefully, that's the case.' 'TRULY SPECIAL' Troy Stecher stepped in and performed admirably in Ekholm's absence, but knew his days in the lineup could be numbered. 'I want him healthy and I want him to help us win,' the journeyman defenceman said this week. 'He's a better player than I am. That's just the reality of the world.' Ekholm saw the quote and pulled Stecher aside. 'Just told him I really respect him,' Ekholm recounted. 'It just tells you everything you need to know about Troy Stecher — what a teammate he is and what a guy he is, how he conducts himself every day. I'm just a big fan of him. 'Truly special to be part of a group (with) guys like that.' SITTING OUT Hyman's absence was welcome news — at least on some level — for the Stars. Thomas Harley has tons of respect for the veteran forward. He's also not upset to see him sidelined. 'Great player,' said the blueliner. 'Was playing very physically, which I think the defencemen noticed. And even when he's not scoring, he'd be affecting the game in that way, so I'm happy he's not playing. 'Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
Global News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Ekholm returns from injury for Edmonton Oilers in Game 5: ‘I shouldn't be here'
Mattias Ekholm called watching the Stanley Cup playoffs one of the most difficult things he's endured in hockey. 'Nerve-racking,' the Edmonton Oilers defenceman said earlier this week. 'Not fun.' His teammates did their part. Ekholm is now back healthy and ready to join the fray. The 35-year-old Swede was set to enter the lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Ekholm suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down. 'It's been a journey,' the top-pair blueliner said following Edmonton's full morning skate at American Airlines Center. 'Since I got hurt, I've had a feeling the team's going to do their part. Story continues below advertisement 'It was up to me to find ways to get healthy as quick as possible. I've done everything in my power.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It was up to me to find ways to get healthy as quick as possible. I've done everything in my power." He also credited the Oilers' organization with his recovery. 'It almost feels like if there's a guy or girl on this planet that could help this move forward, we've been in touch with them,' Ekholm said. 'These last couple weeks, been a lot of anxious moments watching the games. But just feel like it's been a pretty steady progress up until this point. Really happy where it's at. 'If you look at the initial prognosis, I shouldn't be here.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you look at the initial prognosis, I shouldn't be here." Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Ekholm went through drills Thursday alongside usual defence partner Evan Bouchard for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and are 60 minutes from a second consecutive Cup final appearance. 'A guy that's been playing big minutes for us since pretty much he's came to Edmonton,' said head coach Kris Knoblauch. 'Playing a shutdown role, penalty kill role, some power play. 'A great addition to our team.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "A great addition to our team." Ekholm returns at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery. Story continues below advertisement 'Extremely disappointing to lose (Hyman),' McDavid said. 'Devastated for him. He wants to be out there, wants to make a difference. We'll all miss him a lot, but great to see (Ekholm) come back. He's put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. 'Credit to him, credit to the training staff.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Credit to him, credit to the training staff." Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take Hyman's place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-year career. 'Exciting to get going,' said Skinner, whose only other playoff appearance came in the first-round opener against the Los Angeles Kings. 'Guys have been battling hard for a while now … nice to get in there and try and contribute.' Knoblauch praised Skinner's overall approach this season. He signed a one-year, US$3-million contract in the Alberta capital after getting bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, but put up just 16 goals and 13 assists across 72 contests in 2024-25. 'Jeff is an outstanding professional,' Knoblauch said. 'What you want from a player, he has brought. Outstanding attitude. You see that at practices, always smiling, having fun, engaging with his teammates. 'A guy that can score a big goal. Hopefully, that's the case.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "A guy that can score a big goal. Hopefully, that's the case." 'TRULY SPECIAL' Troy Stecher stepped in and performed admirably in Ekholm's absence, but knew his days in the lineup could be numbered. Story continues below advertisement 'I want him healthy and I want him to help us win,' the journeyman defenceman said this week. 'He's a better player than I am. That's just the reality of the world.' Ekholm saw the quote and pulled Stecher aside. 'Just told him I really respect him,' Ekholm recounted. 'It just tells you everything you need to know about Troy Stecher — what a teammate he is and what a guy he is, how he conducts himself every day. I'm just a big fan of him. 'Truly special to be part of a group (with) guys like that.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Truly special to be part of a group (with) guys like that." SITTING OUT Hyman's absence was welcome news — at least on some level — for the Stars. Thomas Harley has tons of respect for the veteran forward. He's also not upset to see him sidelined. 'Great player,' said the blueliner. 'Was playing very physically, which I think the defencemen noticed. And even when he's not scoring, he'd be affecting the game in that way, so I'm happy he's not playing. 'Obviously, injuries suck, but he's a good player and if he's not on their team, they're a little bit worse.'
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Mattias Ekholm to return from injury for Oilers in Game 5 against Stars
DALLAS - Mattias Ekholm will return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. The top-pair defenceman suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down. Ekholm took part in the morning skate alongside usual partner Evan Bouchard at American Airlines Center for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can book a second consecutive Stanley Cup final berth with a victory over the Stars. The 35-year-old blueliner returns at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery. Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take his place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-season career. Game 6, if necessary, would be back in Edmonton on Saturday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Mattias Ekholm to return from injury for Oilers in Game 5 against Stars
DALLAS – Mattias Ekholm will return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. The top-pair defenceman suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down. Ekholm took part in the morning skate alongside usual partner Evan Bouchard at American Airlines Center for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can book a second consecutive Stanley Cup final berth with a victory over the Stars. The 35-year-old blueliner returns at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery. Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take his place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-season career. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Game 6, if necessary, would be back in Edmonton on Saturday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
