With nine games remaining on their regular season schedule, the Edmonton Oilers are winding down the final moments of yet another emotional season. The Oilers have rounded into form, solidly in the mix for best team in the Western Conference, and Connor McDavid has reached new highs in individual production, both widely expected during an offseason filled with justifiable optimism. Yet, thanks to an astoundingly poor start to the season, there were several weeks, if not months, where these achievements seemed in doubt.
While the Oilers may have lived up to expectations, this season should serve as a reminder that this level of excellence should not be taken for granted. Despite employing elite talent, there are several teams around the league that drive this point home. The Buffalo Sabres, a team rebuilding during the early 2010s as the Oilers were, have yet to qualify for the playoffs since. The New Jersey Devils, the darlings of last year boasting a star studded cast of elite talent young talent, fell flat in a tumultuous season of their own.
When it comes to the NHLs ultimate glory, there is only room for one true victor. Hearts and minds across Oil Country are surely set on a Stanley Cup, but this sustained success from the Oilers should not be taken for granted.
The expectations are set, as is the roster, but that does not mean that there is nothing for the Oilers to play for down the stretch. While there may or may not be opportunities to rest players or chase individual milestones, the team cannot ease up on their effort and attention to detail. Let’s take a look at some of the key areas of focus as the Oilers prepare for the playoffs.
A spot for Henrique
Likely the headliner of the Oilers trade deadline acquisitions, there was some concern about how Adam Henrique had fit into the lineup over his first handful of games with the team. Henrique did not produce much offensively, and the Oilers were being outplayed with him on the ice. Already drawing some criticism for being too costly an acquisition, the small corners of Oil Country that might have held doubts about Henrique started to grow.
There is some important context to Henrique’s start as an Oiler. Centring a third line featuring Evander Kane certainly did not help Henrique’s possession stats. Henrique has seemed an upgrade to the Oilers penalty kill, a valuable development in its own right, but hardly as much as what was expected.
Everything seems to have changed since Henrique was moved onto Leon Draisaitl’s wing. Henrique brings a two-way reputation that makes him an interesting linemate for Draisaitl, who certainly appreciates some support. Henrique is a proven playoff performer as well, combined with Draisaitl’s sterling playoff reputation forming a duo that might well continue their postseason success.
Awards watch
Naturally, Connor McDavid is top of mind when it comes to the Oilers individual awards. On the cusp of 100 assists on the season, a rare mark in its own right, McDavid is thoroughly in the hunt for Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Trophy. While the Art Ross is decided by total points, where McDavid is jostling with Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon, the Hart is voted on after the season. Last season, neither award was in doubt for McDavid, and it being much closer this year, combined with some potential voter fatigue, might leave the door open for someone else to win the Hart. More likely than the Hart might be another Ted Lindsay award win for McDavid, given to the best player as voted by the players.
While all eyes are on McDavid there are other Oilers with outside chances at award consideration. Evan Bouchard will likely receive some votes for the Norris Trophy, and perhaps Mattias Ekholm should as well, though Bouchard’s offence will be attractive to voters. Kris Knoblauch is worthy of consideration for the Jack Adams Trophy for coach of the year. Despite not starting the season with the Oilers, Knoblauch undoubtedly turned the season around for the team.
Penalty kill improvements
As we can see from the Bob Stauffer post above, the Oilers penalty kill has been improved over the Knoblauch era. Given the Oilers offensive firepower, excellent power play, and control of play, adding a top 10 penalty kill to their team profile is crucial to becoming a Stanley Cup winner. While the team sits below this threshold from a season long perspective, all that matters at this point is that the Oilers are able to perform in the playoffs.
If the Oilers are not proficient at killing penalties it might undo any advantage that their power play affords them. There will be chances for the Oilers to prove themselves against high end power plays through the end of the regular season, including their next game against the Dallas Stars, a team that has routinely given them difficulties over the past couple seasons.
Final tests
After the Stars, the Oilers will face several playoff bound teams. With two games against the Colorado Avalanche, including the final game of the regular season, McDavid and MacKinnon will headline as the Art Ross race takes the spotlight. The Oilers will have the chance to avenge some early season losses with a game against the Vancouver Canucks, which might determine who wins the Pacific Division. Finally, the Oilers will face off against a possible first round opponent in the Vegas Golden Knights.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
