Oilers’ Mattias Ekholm doubtful to play in Round 2

The Edmonton Oilers will continue their playoff journey without one of their key defencemen.

After clinching a first-round victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Mattias Ekholm is “doubtful” to play in Round 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

“I think it’s still going to be a little longer,” Knoblauch said.

Ekholm was injured in a game on April 11 against Sharks and hasn’t played since. Before the Sharks game, he had missed seven other games with an injury, too.

The 34-year-old averaged over 22 minutes of ice time for the Oilers this season and recorded 33 points in 64 games.