The Edmonton Oilers may be missing one of their top defencemen for tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
As the team continues their march toward the top of the Pacific Division, they may have to do without Mattias Ekholm, who was not on the ice with the Oilers for today’s morning skate.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch refused to elaborate on what exactly is going on with the hiking Swedish defender. Though it wasn’t said in his pre-game availability, OilersTV’s Tony Brar confirmed that Ekholm will be a game-time decision for the club tonight.
Mattias Ekholm is a game-time decision tonight vs. MIN. #Oilers
— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) January 15, 2025
This caused Knoblauch to trot out some new-look defensive pairs. Ekholm’s usual partner, Evan Bouchard, was moved down to the second pairing with Brett Kulak. Meanwhile, Darnell Nurse and Troy Stecher appeared to be taking reps as the Oilers’ top pair.
The third pair featured Josh Brown skating with Ty Emberson.
There were also some changes to the Oilers’ forward group as well. Noah Philp, who was called up to the NHL last night, will draw into the lineup as the team’s fourth-line centre. He will be flanked by Corey Perry and Kasperi Kapanen. This will be Philp’s first NHL game since November 4.
The 26-year-old has nine goals and 17 points in 28 AHL games this season.
“He’s obviously been playing very well in Bakersfield, and we’re giving him an opportunity to play with our team,” Knoblauch said of Philp. “Hopefully he provides some physicality, some speed to our game and another guy who can penalty kill.”
“He’s been playing very well in Bakersfield, giving him an opportunity to play with our team. Hopefully provides some physicality, some speed to our game & another guy who can penalty kill.”
Coach Knoblauch on the #Oilers calling up Noah Philp.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/ZiSaGEQOTe
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2025
Calvin Pickard will get the nod between the pipes for Edmonton. He’s 6-1-0 in his last seven starts and has already defeated the Wild once this season. Throughout his career, Pickard has a 3-4-0 record in seven lifetime starts against Minnesota.
Jeff Skinner will be a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game and will be joined by veteran Derek Ryan in the press box.
Puck drop is set for 6:30 pm MT.