Devastating Setback for Oilers as Key Player Ruled Out for Crucial Game 4

The Edmonton Oilers are up 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars, and at home in Game 4, they've got the chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead that will have them in prime position to reach their second straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Unfortunately for Edmonton however, they won't be getting star defenseman Mattias Ekholm back for this one, although reports have revealed that his return isn't too far away.

The 35-year old last played for the Oilers in early April, and while many believed his absence could cost them in the playoffs, they've managed to survive and even thrive without him, with his eventual return likely to give this team a major boost whenever that eventually happens.

Between Game 3 and 4, Ekholm was asked about when we would see him back on the ice, and it appears as though the veteran blue liner is highly optimistic about a return soon.

In his place, the Oilers have turned to Troy Stecher and Josh Brown to fill the role, and given how well they've played as a team with that combination, the return of Ekholm will be amazing for this team.

At this point in time, we don't know when it's coming, but it's likely to be at some point during the Western Conference Finals, and when that happens, it may be just what this team needs to finally capture the Stanley Cup with this group.