The Edmonton Oilers are looking for redemption after losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last June. They’ve lost some key pieces but also added some, and they have the potential to go on another deep run. The core of this team knows what it takes to win, so it’s up to the depth to step up and contribute. This group has the personnel and experience to succeed and has developed a winning culture. The Oilers are built for the playoffs, and here’s why.
Leon Draisaitl Is a Playoff Performer
Leon Draisaitl is having an MVP-calibre season and is on another level. He should undoubtedly be the front-runner for the Hart Trophy. His incredible regular-season play will translate to the playoffs, as it has on many occasions. The 29-year-old superstar has 52 goals and 106 points through 71 games and has a 10-goal stranglehold on the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy race. He also has 41 goals and 108 points in 74 playoff games. He turns it up a notch when the games matter the most, so he will drag Edmonton into the fight because he makes his teammates better.
Draisaitl had 31 points in 25 games last postseason despite playing through hand and rib injuries throughout their Cup run. It got to the point where head coach Kris Knoblauch was uncertain if he would play some games. However, he fought through it and still put up those numbers. Now, he’s battling some more injuries. He missed four games with an undisclosed injury before returning for the last three games. But he got injured again during their previous game, so his status remains uncertain. This is horrible timing, but the German forward is tough as nails, so hopefully, he’s ready to go for the playoffs. Even though Edmonton is battling the Los Angeles Kings for home-ice advantage in Round 1, they shouldn’t rush back their star forward. If they want another long playoff run, they need him to be healthy. He’s carried this team the entire season, so don’t expect that to change, even with his latest injury status.
Oilers Have a Strong Defence Core
The Oilers have a legitimate defensive core for the first time in the Connor McDavid era. The Jake Walman addition stabilized this blue line and filled a glaring hole. The newest Oiler has seven points in 13 games since joining the team and alleviated some pressure off the rest of the group.
Evan Bouchard is an elite offensive defenceman, Darnell Nurse is having an underrated season, and Brett Kulak is a steady third-pairing guy. They also have Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher battling for that final spot. However, Mattias Ekholm’s health is concerning. He hasn’t looked right since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off. As a result, he’s missed nine of their last 13 games. This is a good defensive unit if the Swedish blueliner can remain healthy. If not, they have solid NHL-quality players to step in, which is a good problem to have.
Oilers Have Great Forward Depth
When the Oilers are fully healthy, they have a deep and skilled forward group. They are currently without Trent Frederic, Evander Kane, McDavid, and now Draisaitl up front. Kane and Frederic haven’t played for Edmonton this season, but they have the potential to be impactful. They are both skilled and physical wingers, which translates well to the playoffs. Their inclusion will instantly provide a spark and make this team harder to play against. Those are the type of players you need in the playoffs.
