Mattias Ekholm, defender for the Edmonton Oilers, faced the emotional challenge of watching his team in the Stanley Cup playoffs while recovering from a lower-body injury. His return for Game 5 against the Dallas Stars comes after a long journey of healing, during which he credits the Oilers' support staff for his progress. Despite being sidelined, Ekholm's presence is vital as the Oilers push for a second consecutive Cup final appearance. His return coincides with the absence of Zach Hyman, a critical player for the team who underwent surgery after suffering an upper-body injury.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch praises Ekholm's crucial role in the lineup, emphasizing his contributions on both the power play and the penalty kill. Meanwhile, Jeff Skinner steps in for Hyman, aiming to make an impact despite limited playoff experience. Ekholm expresses gratitude for his teammates, including Troy Stecher, who filled in admirably during his absence. As the Oilers strive for success, questions arise about how Ekholm's return impacts their playoff strategy and the effects of Hyman's injury on their offensive dynamics.