As the regular season was coming to an end, the list of the names on the Edmonton Oilers’ injured reserve seemed to grow bigger by the game. Oilers fans would hold their breath as they would watch yet another play walk down the tunnel to the dressing room. While the Oilers’ captain, Connor McDavid, took an issue with the team being called the “walking wounded,: there is no denial that the team is banged up heading into the first round of the playoffs.
Amongst the biggest names to land on the injured reserve is the stalwart of the Oilers’ defence, Mattias Ekholm. The rugged, stern-faced veteran of 14 years, Ekholm has been a reliable presence, often paired with Evan Bouchard on the top pairing. Ekholm has been ruled out for the first round of the playoffs and his chances of joining the Oilers in the latter rounds are up in the air. What does the absence of Mattias Ekholm mean for the Oilers?
Losing some defensive stability and grit
This one might be an obvious one so I will just say it out right. Missing Ekholm means that the team will be without one of its’ key veterans. A month short of his 35th birthday, Ekholm has been a stable presence on the Oilers blue line. His partnership with Evan Bouchard has been one of the driving forces for the continued development of Bouchard’s game and has made this duo one of the best defensive pairings in the league.
Facing a team like Los Angeles Kings requires a player who is not quick to back down or become intimidated. Though the Kings may not be the top hitting team in the league, the Oilers will need to be prepared. They will face the same team in the opening round for a third straight year and there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this series will become a feisty, hard hitting affair. Having a player who can protect the crease, have his teammates’ back, and stand up to the pestering of the likes of Adrian Kempe and Phillip Danault is key, especially on a team that is not known for their physicality.
His impact statistically speaking
Looking at what Ekholm brings to the team from a statistical standpoint is another important aspect to consider. Behind Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, Ekholm is the third highest Oiler when it comes to ice-time with 22:11 minutes per game. His plus-minus rating is tied for fifth-highest on the team with a plus-11 rating. His Corsi For Percentage (CF%) is 56.16, compared to the Oilers overall CF% in all situations of 53.61. This means that the team is able to have better puck possession with him on the ice.
In a grueling playoff match-up, any small advantage can make a big difference and having someone who can play valuable minutes and help maintain puck control can lead to that one extra opportunity for a game deciding play.
Missing presence on the special teams
Aside from his play on the top defensive pairing, Ekholm has also frequently found himself on the Oilers penalty kill. A consistent member of last year’s stellar playoff penalty kill, Ekholm was incredibly effective in his role. In the 68+ minutes that he spent on a man disadvantage, the Oilers gave up only three goals.
The Oilers’ penalty kill certainly struggled at times this season and for a team that is looking to re-create last season’s playoff magic, a strong penalty kill will be crucial. With Ekholm’s absence in the lineup for the foreseeable future, his teammates will certainly have big shoes to fill.
Golden opportunity for another to step up
No one wishes for a player to become injured and Ekholm will be dearly missed. However, playoff hockey is a magical place and one that turn the unlikeliest player into a folk hero. The fans of the Oilers in 2000s remember the 14-goal performance of a local boy, Fernando Pisani, in the 2006 Stanley Cup run.
As Ekholm begins the playoffs on the injured reserve with no clear timeline to return, Kris Knoblauch will be looking to someone on the defence to step up and shoulder the defensive burden. This Oilers team is full of talented players and only time will tell who the unlikely hero might be.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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