Latest news with #Hyman
Toronto Star
a day 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Zach Hyman injury update: Oilers winger has surgery, likely done for playoffs
Edmonton Oilers star winger Zach Hyman is likely gone for the rest of the postseason after having surgery for a Game 4 injury. "We're not expecting him back for the playoffs," said coach Kris Knoblauch, who didn't specify which injury Hyman suffered when he left the game on a hit by the Dallas Stars' Mason Marchment during the first period. The Oilers won the game 4-1 to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Hyman scored 70 goals last season between the regular season and the playoffs. This season, he has 11 points in 15 playoff games and a league-leading 111 hits in the postseason, nearly 30 more than the next player. Zach Hyman heads to the dressing room after taking a hit from Mason Marchment — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2025 "He's not going to be replaced but hopefully everyone can step up a little bit, a few more hits from everyone else throughout the lineup," Knoblauch said Thursday, adding, "Hopefully somebody is going to come up with an important goal.' Offseason acquisition Jeff Skinner, who has played only one playoff game, will rejoin the lineup for the potential clinching Game 5 in Dallas. "The guys have been playing really well, battling really hard," he told reporters on Thursday. "I'll just try to come in and read off those guys and try to keep it simple and try to contribute." Veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return from an injury. He last played on April 11. "For him to come back and feeling great, it's a great addition to our team," Knoblauch said. Forward Connor Brown will miss a second consecutive game Thursday with an unspecified injury. Viktor Arvidsson came back in the lineup for Game 4 to replace Brown. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zach Hyman injury update: Oilers star has surgery, NHL playoffs over
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Steps Up For The Edmonton Oilers In Zach Hyman's Role?
It's clear now the Edmonton Oilers must go with a 'next man up' mentality after likely losing Zach Hyman for the rest of the playoffs. An upper-body injury and surgery mean the Oilers must fill his skates as best as possible. The concern is that Edmonton doesn't have another Hyman on their roster. Few can do what Hyman does, which includes piling up high-danger chances, hits, rebound opportunities and timely goals. Jeff Skinner may get the call to join the Oilers' lineup Thursday night. That doesn't mean he's best suited to fill in for Hyman, and asking him to play that role might be asking too much. Here are three players in particular who could be up to the task. The simplest solution is to bump Evander Kane up in the lineup and bring in another left winger to play where Kane was on the third line. Kane has many of the same tools Hyman displayed throughout these playoffs: he can hit, score and think the game well enough to play with someone like Connor McDavid. Kane likes to shoot. That's the biggest strength he brings to that top line. He's not as fast as Hyman, which is an issue, but his hockey smarts and ability to keep the game simple, going north and south, are enough reasons to think he can handle the job. Kane has surprised many with how well he's played after missing a full season due to recovering from injuries. He'll be motivated. One of the pleasant surprises of the playoffs, Kasperi Kapanen wasn't necessarily a shoo-in to play post-season games. He came in to replace Viktor Arvidsson and hasn't left the lineup since. He's fast, can score and knows his role. While he only has 26 hits, it's important to note he's gotten those hits in six games versus the 15 everyone else has played. His hits-per-60-minutes rate ranks him fourth among Oilers players who appeared in multiple playoff games so far. Kapanen gets the nod here over Vasily Podkolzin because of his finishing ability. Podkolzin has chemistry with Leon Draisaitl, but he doesn't necessarily have the hands like Hyman does. Edmonton Oilers Have A Big Hole Without Hyman, But Their Depth Is Up To The Task The Edmonton Oilers come out of Tuesday's Game 4 win with the prospect of returning to the Stanley Cup final and avenging last year's loss. A longer shot to jump this high up the depth chart, Trent Frederic could get the opportunity of a lifetime in Game 5. Without Hyman and Connor Brown, Frederic saw some time in Game 4 with McDavid while Hyman was out. He didn't look out of place. Another player who likes to take the body, Frederic can score, even though his one goal this post-season doesn't show it. He had 18 goals last season with a 14.6 shooting percentage, which showed some potential. It might be asking a lot to go from the fourth line to the top, but Frederic can be a difference-maker, and he doesn't mind mixing it up in front of the net, where Hyman has made a living. This scenario is a short-leash situation. If Frederic impresses everyone, he gives the Oilers great depth throughout the rest of their lines. If Frederic struggles to keep up, coach Kris Knoblauch should waste no time in realizing another option might be a better fit. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Next man up' mentality key as Edmonton Oilers search for Zach Hyman replacement
Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers (Credit: Getty Image) The Edmonton Oilers now face one of the toughest tests of their playoff run. Losing Zach Hyman to an upper-body injury changes the rhythm of their offensive core. Known for his physicality, gritty play, and timely goals, Hyman's absence isn't just about missing a scorer. It's about losing a forward who creates chaos in front of the net and opens up space for teammates. Evander Kane could take the top line role The Edmonton Oilers Lose Zach Hyman | w/ Frank Seravalli Evander Kane appears to be the most natural candidate to take Hyman's spot on the top line. Kane has proven he can play alongside Connor McDavid, bringing a similar edge and scoring instinct. Though not as fast, Kane can simplify the game, go straight to the net, and take the body when needed. He can read McDavid's plays and keep up with the speed of high-pressure matchups. Coming off an injury-riddled season, Kane has been solid in his return, showing hunger and drive in the postseason. If he finds chemistry with McDavid again, the Oilers may not miss a beat offensively. Kapanen's speed and efficiency offer upside Zach Hyman #18 of the Edmonton Oilers (Credit: Getty Image) Another possible solution lies in Kasperi Kapanen. A surprise inclusion in the lineup earlier this postseason, Kapanen has made the most of his minutes. He brings speed and a sharp finishing touch, elements that can help fill the scoring gap left by Hyman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Frederic isn't likely to replace Hyman's scoring, but he can provide energy and force defenders into mistakes. If given a chance, his willingness to battle and play a north-south style may surprise. Even if he doesn't stay on the top line, his presence can add important balance to the Oilers' depth. Read more: Carter Verhaeghe and his wife, their life and personal journey The Oilers may not have a direct Hyman replacement, but the right mix of skill and effort from these players can help bridge the gap. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Zach Hyman injury update: Oilers winger to have surgery, likely done for playoffs
Edmonton Oilers star winger Zach Hyman is having surgery on Wednesday and is likely gone for the rest of the postseason after being injured in Game 4.. "We're not expecting him back for the playoffs," said coach Kris Knoblauch, who didn't specify which injury Hyman suffered when he left the game on a hit by the Dallas Stars' Mason Marchment during the first period. Advertisement The Oilers won the game 4-1 to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Hyman scored 70 goals last season between the regular season and the playoffs. This season, he has 11 points in 15 playoff games and a league-leading 111 hits in the postseason, nearly 30 more than the next player. "Zach is going to be a huge hole, but we're fortunate to have a lot of depth that guys can come in and step up and give us quality minutes," Knoblauch said. Forward Connor Brown will miss a second consecutive game in Thursday's potential clinching Game 5 in Dallas with an unspecified injury. Viktor Arvidsson came back in the lineup for Game 4 to replace Brown. Advertisement It's uncertain who would come in for Hyman, but offseason acquisition Jeff Skinner has played only one playoff game. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zach Hyman injury update: Oilers star to have surgery
