Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm recently spoke to the media about the upcoming playoffs and what the team needs to do to get past their first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Kings. Ekholm, who was acquired by the Oilers in a trade with the Nashville Predators earlier this season, emphasized the importance of playoff experience and the valuable lessons he’s learned throughout his 75 career playoff games.
"If you can keep them off the puck as much as you can & stay physical on them, that's where their frustration kicks in."
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 15, 2023
Ekholm, a veteran of 75 career playoff games, talks about his defensive philosophy ahead of the #Oilers vs. Kings series.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/vZ5aWPTYrk
In the 21 games since joining the Oilers, Ekholm has made a significant impact on the team, scoring 4 goals and adding 10 assists for a total of 14 points. His +28 rating highlights his defensive contributions, and his presence on the blue line has brought stability and confidence to the Oilers’ defensive core. With Ekholm in the lineup, the Oilers have been one of the best teams in the league.
During the media session, Ekholm shared his thoughts on the keys to playoff success. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong defensive structure, minimizing mistakes, and capitalizing on the opposition’s errors. Furthermore, Ekholm noted that sticking to the game plan and keeping emotions in check are crucial factors in achieving victory during the high-stakes playoff atmosphere.
With the playoffs just around the corner, the Edmonton Oilers will rely on the leadership and experience of players like Mattias Ekholm to guide them through the challenges ahead. Oilers fans hope that Ekholm’s contributions both on and off the ice will help the team advance past the first round and ultimately contend for the Stanley Cup.