Oilers Lead Series; Ekholm Aims for Return Next Round

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of advancing to the Western Conference Final as they lead the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coach Kris Knoblauch announced Tuesday that defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who has been sidelined since April 11 with an undisclosed injury, may return if the Oilers secure their next series.

Ekholm has only played one game since March 26, returning for a brief stint against the San Jose Sharks before leaving after just three shifts. He has missed all ten of the Oilers’ playoff games so far. “Mattias has been on the ice for light skates,” Knoblauch said. “He will not be joining us this series. We’re hopeful that he can join us next series if we can get to that.”

As the Oilers prepare for Game 5 on Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, they hope to clinch the series and avoid a sixth game. Edmonton aims to close out the series after a dominant 3-0 victory in Game 4 at Rogers Place on Monday.

The Oilers set the pace by winning both of their games in Vegas to open the series. Knoblauch emphasized the importance of maintaining focus despite their commanding lead. “We’ve adopted a one-game mentality,” he said. “When we lost Game 3 (4-3 on Saturday), we said, ‘Forget about it, let’s move on to the next one.’”

With Ekholm’s absence, Edmonton has relied on defensemen such as Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher, who have contributed valuable minutes in his stead. In Game 4, Stecher posted a plus-1 rating in his postseason debut. “We wanted somebody that fit our team,” Knoblauch noted regarding new player Jake Walman, who has added strength to the defense.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, extended his scoring streak to eight games with an assist on Evander Kane‘s goal in Game 4. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have scored a combined eight goals and provided 24 assists through the playoffs. “For a player, it’s easier to get involved in the play or game when you’re consistently on the ice,” Knoblauch said, highlighting team chemistry.

As the Golden Knights prepare for Game 5, they face added pressure to secure a win. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the need for better starts. “We have to start better,” he said after their 3-0 loss in Game 4. “This is a couple of games in a row now where we’re chasing it.”

Game 5 is set for 9:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, TVAS, and CBC. If necessary, Game 6 will return to Edmonton on Friday.