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“He’s been playing with bumps and bruises that has affected his play,” said McLellan. “And I think that’s hurt him in the physical part of the game. Some of the physical battles right now are tougher for Oscar to win but the mental part, the thinking, being aware of his assignments, that’s on him.”

When asked about his medical distress, like maybe he has a sore shoulder or arm, he blew it off.

“Yeah, no comments on that,” said Klefbom. “I’m not 100 per cent but I don’t want to go up to the media and find any excuses.

“If I’m not 100 percent, I have to find a way to play better. Like I said, no excuses.”

It’s been just as much in his head as in his legs for Klefbom, where he’s been leaking goals against, going minus-17 in 21 games after his outstanding season opener against Calgary when he was plus-3 and the second best Oiler after Connor McDavid’s hat-trick. He had a good game in Detroit, wasn’t plus, wasn’t minus, but was solid. Maybe a baby step forward.

He admits his confidence has taken a beating, moreso than any Schenn hit.

“Oh, yeah,” said Klefbom, who played with Kris Russell in Detroit. “Obviously I haven’t found my game. It’s not like I’m a new player … it’s just mental. That’s even harder to deal with. But I can’t tell myself I’m just going to lay down and die.

“I have to try at least, try to turn this thing around somehow. It’s not easy, especially if you get a tough goal against the first couple of shifts and you’re thinking ‘ah, man, here we go again.’”