Last night's loss for the Oilers stresses the importance of one of their injured players.
One game does not make a season. Everyone in the Edmonton Oilers dressing room knows how bad last night's 8-1 loss was. They also know how important the next game is.
The players will always be harder on themselves than any fan or media personality is.
Everyone should do what the Oilers are doing - taking a deep breath and moving on from the loss. The biggest takeaway that I get from this loss is this, the Oilers need a healthy Mattias Ekholm.
Mattias Ekholm.Connor McDavid was voted as the most valuable player in the NHL. His impact on the game is undeniable. But if we define a player's value by how integral they are to the team, Ekholm is right up there with McDavid.
And if last night is any indication, Ekholm's value might be greater.
Ekholm did not play last night, and they sure could have used him. He's the best defenseman the team has and his absence is noticeable.
Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. The Oilers can make due without McDavid or Leon Draisaitl for a game. Other players can step up offensively on a short term basis. This team struggles defensively and they need every defenseman they have on deck.
McDavid may be the most valuable player in the league, but Ekholm is the most valuable to the Oilers.
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