LAS VEGAS — In the playoffs, injuries play a crucial role, whether you like it or not – both the ones incurred and those successfully avoided.
This refers to the players whom the `hockey gods` sideline (due to a blocked shot or a dirty hit), and those who manage to withstand the most grueling challenges in pursuit of the trophy.
The situation for the Edmonton Oilers seemed dire when news broke that key defenseman Mattias Ekholm might miss the entire playoffs. But midway through their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, John Klingberg, having recovered from a three-year injury slump including hip resurfacing surgery, miraculously started playing, providing the team with unexpectedly high-quality replacement minutes.
Evander Kane missed a whole season, undergoing two surgeries. Players usually don`t return to form immediately after that, right?
However, somehow, after 10 months away, Kane is putting up points in three of his first six playoff games and is showing the physical presence the Oilers lacked all season.
Trent Frederic, whose severe ankle sprain could have sidelined him until summer, appears healthy enough to contribute, and his game is improving with each appearance.
