"Somewhere it burns and gnaws inside me": Oilers' Mattias Ekholm eyes revenge after losing Stanley Cup to the Florida Panthers

Following a disappointing Game 7 defeat to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, Mattias Ekholm and the Edmonton Oilers roster were left in disarray. The Oilers went to the finals in good form but faced three defeats on the bounce. Despite clawing their way to a seventh game, they lost 2-1 in the decisive match-up.

In an interview with NHL reporter Ronnie Rönnkvist, Ekholm shared his thoughts on the finals and his outlook on how the next season pans out for the Oilers. He said:

"It's hard to be dissatisfied with so much positive that happened, but I'm still sitting here and haven't won. Somewhere it burns and gnaws inside me. Both and is perhaps a good summary of the season."

Although it will be a long journey back to the finals, the hunger for revenge is present in the team and especially in Ekholm, as he added:

"I think we will get a good team this season. Even better than the last one. Then it must be done."

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Mattias Ekholm provides emotional message to Oilers fans after Stanley Cup defeat

Mattias Ekholm addressed the city of Edmonton and their fans regarding their defeat in the Stanley Cup Final. The city, along with the players and staff, must have been devastated by their defeat at the very last step.

Two weeks ago, Mattias Ekholm shared his message on Instagram:

"Edmonton. Our first full season has now come to an end and we are beyond grateful for the way this city has welcomed us. Although we wish we could have written another end to this amazing season, we will always remember how a hockey team and a city came together and shared one big dream. Keep on believing, see you in the fall."

Although disheartening, the interview with Rönnkvist shared insight into the mentality of the defenseman and how he is already looking forward to next year and is hopeful the new line-up and additions will help the team get their hands on the Oilers' first Stanley Cup since 1990.