The word out of Edmonton this afternoon is that Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm might miss tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals with an illness or, at the very least, be a game-time decision. Newly acquired defenseman Troy Stecher may be making his Edmonton debut.
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Ekholm’s impact on a pair with Evan Bouchard is no secret. The question is, with him possibly out, who’d take his spot tonight, and who’d work at it? You can’t give that spot to Stecher, it would be too soon. Brett Kulak is a left-handed shot who can also play on the right side. Could that pair work for just one night or two if Ekholm still doesn’t feel well on Saturday? Darnell Nurse is the only other left-handed defenseman who could try playing with Bouchard. At least one defenseman would be forced to play their offside, and maybe they’re not totally comfortable with that.
If this news is true, tonight’s game would give us a chance to see how much good depth Stecher can provide before the Playoffs, should Edmonton run into a similar problem.
Capitals@Oilers start at 8 pm Pacific Time.
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