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Oilers' Troy Stecher Embraces Challenge as Mattias Ekholm Returns

In the playoffs, when an NHL player gets injured, the common phrase used is "next man up," but what happens when you're the indomitable fighter, Troy Stecher, who has filled this role consistently—until potentially the return of the original defenseman, Mattias Ekholm? Then what?

He's a superior player compared to me; this is the truth of our world and industry," stated Stecher, the defenseman from the Edmonton Oilers, known for not being one to dwell on disappointments or complain. He remains focused on the clear fact that Ekholm, potentially returning for Game 4 against Dallas, ranks among the top defensemen in the NHL.

"He likely ranks as either our number 1A or 1B option, contingent upon your perspective regarding Evan Bouchard. He stands out as an exceptional defenseman within this league. Notably, he participated in the 4 Nations tournament and has represented Team Sweden. Additionally, he reached the finals with the team from Nashville during their previous season. Assuming his health remains stable, I aim to have him play. Indeed, should I step down due to injury, I would feel disheartened; however, having him on board significantly enhances our prospects of winning," stated Stechter.

Stepping up for the group. Genuine stuff.

I really want to win a Stanley Cup. To be honest, things didn't go well for me in Vancouver; similarly, the teams in Arizona and Detroit weren't successful either," Stecher stated. "All I'm looking for is to join a team that has a real chance of winning. Of course, being part of the starting lineup would be ideal... but ultimately, that call isn't mine.

Not at all. Should Ekholm, who hasn't participated in any of the Oilers' playoff matches and hasn't played since April 11 against the San Jose Sharks here, return on Tuesday, it would be decided by head coach Kris Knoblauch, alongside Paul Coffey, who oversees the defense.

Stecher has performed exceptionally well alongside Darnell Nurse, but he might face tough competition if they determine that Ekholm is fit enough to play and opt for only six defensemen. Alternatively, they may choose a more cautious approach by sticking with seven defenders and eleven forwards, allowing Ekholm restricted ice time to assess his recovery from a substantial undisclosed lower-body injury.

Stecher, who weighs only 184 pounds but possesses a formidable spirit akin to Kris Russell during his tenure, has faced challenges related to his stature across nearly 600 NHL games. He carries a chip on his shoulder, which is understandable since smaller players consistently need to demonstrate their capabilities, whereas larger athletes often must show they belong according to the coach’s perspective.

This current scenario with Ekholm might serve as a metaphor for his career trajectory.

"Yeah, that’s true. I wouldn’t want it differently at all. This league doesn’t have off-days. I genuinely enjoy what I’m doing. Perhaps sometimes I might stress over my position or responsibilities. During the regular season, there could’ve been quite a few sleepless nights when I’d go home feeling rather worried. But every new day, I just slip into my hard hat and work boots, ready to hit the ice," he stated.

"That’s a principle my dad taught me when I was young," explained Stecher. "He always said there are just two things you have control over: your work ethic and your attitude." His father, Peter, who worked as an aluminum, copper, and brass salesman, passed away in July 2020 at the age of 65 due to diabetes-related complications.

"He sold all the handrails at Rogers Arena in Vancouver," stated Troy with pride.

Priority one is safety; however, this isn't always top-of-mind for hockey players during playoffs, such as when Stecher puts himself between the puck and danger or goes up against larger opponents.

Ekholm itching to return

Ekholm expressed his desire to return some time ago, believing he was prepared. However, since the Oilers have been thriving, there’s no urgency to hasten his comeback.

"I'm very pleased with our defensive lineup so far," stated Ekholm, adding that he isn't sure whether they will gradually introduce him back into the game to assess how his body responds, or if they'll deploy him alongside Bouchard for their typical 20-minute shifts, including penalty killing duties and facing off against top opposing players during even-strength situations.

That’s what the coaches decide. Personally, I’d like to return to my usual position, but my body might disagree," stated Ekholm, who has been sitting in the press box observing the game. He tries to encourage his team as a cheerleader would, though being an ineffective spectator.

"I've never experienced an injury during the playoffs until now, and dealing with this pain knowing it could sideline me for a significant period has been quite stressful," he stated. "However, seeing how well my defensive teammates have performed...I'm starting to get accustomed to watching from above. That said, sitting out isn’t something I wish to continue doing," added Ekholm, offering his viewpoint from his elevated position.

You believe anyone can compete at the NHL level coming from the 500-level player ranks. You might wonder, 'Why did you make that pass?' But once you're out there on the ice, you realize it's the greatest league in the world.

Brown out

Connor Brown will not participate in Game 4 and might miss time due to the concussion protocol following Alex Petrovic’s hard hit during the second period. Brown collided with the boards and was subsequently slammed into them.

Knoblauch participated in a contentious back-and-forth with a member of the press during the game.

"How did you witness the collision?" queried the writer.

"Perhaps the same way you witnessed it," replied Knoblauch.

“The impact seemed quite severe,” remarked the writer.

"Difficult definitely would have been part of my response, yes," chuckled Knoblauch.

"And isn’t the second part clean?" he was questioned.

"These are your words, not mine," chuckled Knoblauch, choosing not to engage with the evaluation.

The Oilers' coach is displeased with losing their third-line winger, who boasts five goals and eight points. No penalties were called during the incident, nor did the NHL's Player Safety department review it further. However, Knoblauch might have believed that Petrovic made contact above Brown's shoulders. Despite this, it appeared more like a shoulder-to-shoulder collision involving a 6-foot-4, 220-pound athlete versus a shorter player standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 184 pounds. It's possible that the shoulder inadvertently rose toward Brown’s face; however, it doesn't seem as though hitting the head was intentional.

"I noticed the puck heading his way. I attempted to execute a hockey play and complete my hit. My intention was not to injure him," stated Petrovic, who hails from the local area.

Regardless, Brown, who is already struggling with an injury sustained from blocking a shot during the Vegas series, will be unavailable, weakening their penalty kill. If they decide to stick with 12 forward players instead of 11 and keep seven defensemen, they might bring in Viktor Arvidsson. He hasn’t played since being substituted by Kasperi Kapanen for Game 4 against Vegas.

Goalie juggling

Will the Oilers go with Pick?

It won’t be happening now. As goalie Calvin Pickard kept blocking shots alongside his teammates during an almost fully attended practice session on Monday, it seems unlikely he’ll replace Stu Skinner soon. However, Pickard—who stepped into the Oilers' lineup and secured six consecutive postseason victories before getting injured after Tomas Hertl landed on his leg in the crease during Game 2 against Vegas—is expected to serve as backup for Skinner on Tuesday.

No one is specifying exactly what Pickard's injury was. It might have been an ankle he sprained when Hertl fell onto his injured leg. However, he has returned now.

“I knew when it happened, right away, it wasn’t great. Obviously you all saw that it was an awkward collision, kind of a freak play,” said Pickard.

I played the remainder of the game fueled solely by adrenaline afterLeon Draisaitl won it in overtime; it was definitely a significant victory. In the following 36 hours leading up to the morning skate forGame 3, I attempted to convince myself that everything was fine. However, when I got back on the ice to try skating again, it didn't go well.

“When it happened, I didn’t think I would be back. Credit to our medical staff having me dialled in (with the proper treatment),” he said.

He has watched from the sidelines for the past six matches where Skinner has delivered three clean sheets. In Sunday’s contest against Dallas, however, he excelled, allowing only one goal.

Pickard has been Skinner’s strongest supporter, enthusiastically backing him when he heads to the locker room following victories. This relationship is truly a collaboration between them.

He has been remarkable, as I expected. It's quite astounding for someone his age—26—to have overcome such mental challenges. He consistently recovers," stated Pickard, agreeing with Skinner about how goaltenders constantly face scrutiny. While they choose this position at a young age, typically around 13, the pressure isn’t suffocating then.

"The goaltender is always at the forefront of everyone's focus. While you may enjoy it when you're young, once you reach this advanced level, there's a significant amount of pressure involved. Still, he has been enjoyable to watch," stated Pickard.

This ‘n that: The Stars' center, Roope Hintz—who missed Game 3 following a slash from Nurse on his foot during Game 2 in Dallas—participated in an optional skate session on Monday. "You always aim to be available each game, but sometimes it isn't possible," noted Hintz, who participated briefly in the pre-game warm-up on Sunday for around five minutes before stepping aside. When questioned about his status, he stated, "I’m not sure how likely my return is." Coach Pete DeBoer expressed hopefulness regarding his top forward's comeback: "We'll see what happens at warmup." According to information provided by Jason Gregor of 1440, since their match against Vegas, the Oilers have conceded merely ten significant scoring opportunities resulting directly from fast breaks, with six occurring during their 6-3 defeat in Game 1 held in Dallas. Dallas’ morale took a hit after losing back-to-back matches to Edmonton with a combined scoreline of 9-1; this followed their initial victory where they won 6-3. In response to inquiries about maintaining team spirit, DeBoer remarked, "I wouldn't describe us as being lighthearted. While I once had players like Joe Thornton and Brent Burns leading the charge cheerfully during our Stanley Cup finals run (with San Jose), we're now quite focused rather than jovial."

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