With only three games left in the regular season schedule, there is very little left for the Edmonton Oilers to wrap up before the playoffs start. The mood is as calm as it will be, with the intensity sure to rise once the playoffs are underway, making this last week the calm before the storm. We know that the Oilers were once again a fantastic regular season team, reaching 100 points for the third straight season. While this should be appreciated, it does ring hollow, as well not one team can achieve ultimate glory.
There are still a few storylines to track and loose ends to tie up, let’s take a look at some of them.
McDavid’s health at the end of the season
Top of mind, naturally, is the health of the world’s best player. As much as other top players around the league have had incredible seasons of their own, making for one of the tightest Hart Trophy races in recent memory, the truth is that this drama only exists because Connor McDavid has dealt with injuries this season.
Early in the year McDavid missed a few games, but was clearly hobbled for at least a handful more. Combined with Mattias Ekholm’s early season injury recovery, and the Oilers general struggles under former Coach Jay Woodcroft, the Oilers were disastrous while McDavid was playing closer to a mere mortal, scoring at roughly a point per game, far below his usual. This time around the Oilers have shown a lot more gumption with McDavid out of action, including a convincing 5–1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
There is little doubt that McDavid will find his way into the lineup once the playoffs start, and that even with limited effectiveness he will be a positive force for the Oilers, but this is hardly ideal. There’s no reason for McDavid to rush back for any regular season games, which is why it would be soothing the anxious nerves across Oil Country to see him in top form before the postseason.
Blueline in excellent form
One of the unquestionable successes of the Ken Holland era is the strength of the Oilers blueline, looking to be in great shape and full health. Neither Ekholm nor partner Evan Bouchard are likely to receive a nomination for the Norris Trophy, though both may have a case for some votes, but together are one of the NHL’s best defence pairs.
Yes, Darnell Nurse’s contract is $2-3 million more than ideal, but he has continued to provide solid play with Cody Ceci, hardly an analytical darling, as a partner. Two years ago, when the Oilers were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, Ceci and an injured Nurse were the Oilers top pairing. The gap between the bluelines of the teams was seen as the biggest differentiator between the eventual Stanley Cup champion and the Oilers.
Now, even the pairing of Brett Kulak and Vincent Desharnais is pushing the Nurse-Ceci pairing, taking some of the heavy defensive lifting. On top of this, it seems that Phillip Broberg might be getting into his first action under Coach Kris Knoblauch. The entire team seemed to respond positively to the coaching change, especially the defencemen. Broberg has never gotten a real look on his strong side with a regular partner, much less a favourable one, though an audition in a game or two in the regular season won’t change that. Though the Oilers might be forced to make a decision on Broberg in the future, for now Broberg joins Troy Stecher as fantastic depth options for the Oilers should the attrition of the playoffs wreak havoc on the blueline.
While Nurse’s contract, and the Nurse-Ceci pairing is one that many across Oil Country might have grown weary of, the context of what is required of them has shifted. The Oilers have a great balance of quality and blend of skills, along with a ton of size on the back end. While some might argue there are better bluelines in the league, the Oilers are unquestionably among the top group, a far cry from where they were even two seasons ago.
Home ice, home stretch
The Oilers have clinched home ice in the first round of the playoffs, significant because of how strong the team has been at home under Coach Knoblauch with a 26–5–3 record. With the Nashville Predators no longer an option, rematches against the Los Angeles Kings or Vegas Golden Knights are the remaining option, with the Kings being far more likely.
The Kings have proven themselves to be a good road team at certain points this season, and thanks to the depth of their top-nine forwards should be able to survive without controlling the matchups.
The Oilers have three games left on the season, against the San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes, and Colorado Avalanche.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
