Ekholm's Historic Performance Reignites Olympic Aspirations
Edmonton Oilers veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm delivered a stunning performance that has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion on Sweden's Olympic hockey team. The 35-year-old recorded his first career hat trick during Monday night's 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Place, creating a compelling case for Olympic consideration.
A Remarkable Turnaround in Performance
Ekholm's three-goal outburst represents a significant turnaround for the seasoned defenseman. After struggling through a challenging first month of the season where he posted a minus-6 rating while recovering from a torn adductor muscle, Ekholm has demonstrated remarkable improvement. Over the past three months, he has achieved an impressive plus-24 rating, showcasing his defensive reliability alongside his newfound offensive production.
The historic nature of Ekholm's achievement cannot be overstated. His hat trick came just two nights after his defensive partner, 26-year-old Evan Bouchard, recorded his first career hat trick against the Washington Capitals. This marks the first time in NHL history that two defensemen from the same team have achieved hat tricks in consecutive games.
Olympic Selection Uncertainty
Despite Ekholm's impressive resume featuring over 1,000 NHL games, Swedish Olympic coach Sam Hallam initially omitted the Oilers defenseman from his eight roster selections announced nearly a month ago. This decision reportedly left Ekholm feeling disappointed and bewildered, particularly given his extensive professional experience and proven track record.
The Swedish Olympic team currently faces several defensive uncertainties that could potentially open opportunities for Ekholm. Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin is dealing with a lower-body injury, and while Detroit Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson was initially considered as a replacement, he has since sustained his own lower-body issue. Additionally, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Viktor Hedman is recovering from elbow surgery, creating further uncertainty on Sweden's blue line.
Ekholm's Perspective on the Achievement
Following his historic performance, Ekholm maintained his characteristic humility while acknowledging the special nature of the moment. "I'll try to enjoy this one because it'll probably be my last," he remarked after the game. The defenseman, who has built his reputation primarily on defensive prowess with 89 goals in 937 regular season games prior to Monday's outburst, described the experience as potentially transformative.
Ekholm's hat trick included two goals scored within two minutes during the second period against Ducks goaltender Ville Husso, followed by a remarkable 195-foot empty-net goal with just 11 seconds remaining in regulation. "Cool moment," Ekholm reflected. "Last face-off... if we're up by one, rather than two, I probably would have just tried to chip it out. But, I took a look at it just to see what would happen and fortunately it got in."
Broader Implications for Team Sweden
The Swedish Olympic selection committee now faces intriguing decisions regarding their defensive corps. While Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and former Oiler Adam Larsson remain potential candidates for roster spots, Ekholm's recent performance has undoubtedly strengthened his case for consideration. His combination of veteran experience, defensive reliability, and newly demonstrated offensive capability presents a compelling package for international competition.
Ekholm's partnership with Evan Bouchard has proven particularly effective for the Oilers, with both defensemen achieving career milestones in consecutive games. This defensive pairing's success adds another dimension to Ekholm's Olympic candidacy, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to team success beyond individual statistics.
As the Olympic tournament approaches, Ekholm's historic hat trick serves as a powerful reminder of his capabilities. While coach Hallam's initial assessment favored other defensive options, Ekholm's recent performance has created renewed conversation about his potential value to the Swedish national team. The coming weeks will reveal whether this exceptional display influences Olympic selection decisions for the veteran defenseman.
