Since the Olympic break, the Edmonton Oilers have started to show signs of a team tightening up its game at the perfect time. The numbers have improved in several key places, including goals against, puck possession, and overall defensive play. More importantly, the Oilers look more structured and consistent across the lineup than they did earlier in the season. The question now is whether this recent stretch is enough to carry them into the postseason playing their best hockey.
The season hasn’t always been smooth for the Edmonton Oilers, but this recent stretch looks like the team is finally putting key pieces together to handle the grind of postseason hockey. This comes at the perfect time as the final push toward the playoffs begins. With better structure and more balanced play across the lineup, the Oilers are trending in the right direction.
Are the Oilers truly rounding into playoff form, or do they still need to reach another level before the postseason begins?
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The return of Paul Coffey
During the Olympic break, the Oilers had a familiar face join the coaching staff—Paul Coffey returned. Since then, he has noticeably helped stabilize the defensive pairings. The Hall of Fame defenceman has emphasized quicker puck movement. He also addressed positioning and puck confidence. These areas have helped reduce time spent in the defensive zone, and as a result, the Oilers have seen improvements in goals against. Their overall defensive efficiency has improved. They are showing a more structured and composed approach in their own end.
Coffey’s influence has also helped them simplify their game and make more composed decisions while under pressure. Instead of forcing risky plays, the Oilers’ blue line has focused on smoother breakouts and better gap control. The team will always lean on its offensive firepower. However, the defensive progress under Coffey has helped create a more balanced lineup heading toward the postseason. This progress allows the goaltending to focus more on making the important saves.
Here are some numbers to back up the perceived improvements.
Did moves at the deadline help the roster composition?
The Oilers have improved their roster composition with the addition of Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline. All three bring defensive play that helps contribute where the Oilers previously lacked, particularly on the penalty kill. Dickinson played a big role as a reliable defensive forward. He can handle key draws. He also plays big minutes against other teams’ top lines. Murphy adds size and experience to the blue line, giving the Oilers another defender capable of handling tough lineups and blocking shots. Together, their presence helps create a lineup that is harder to play against, especially in our own zone.
The biggest impact will come on special teams, where Chicago relied heavily on these players to handle the penalty kill. Dickinson and Dach provide length and physicality among the forward group. This allows the Oilers to put more pressure on puck carriers. Murphy brings a steady defensive presence that can clear the crease and limit chances in front of the net. Those types of players often become critical in tight playoff games where a single penalty kill can swing the momentum of the entire game. Adding players who can handle those roles makes them look much more composed as a whole.
Oilers’ depth is starting to make a difference
Vasily Podkolzin has become an important part of the Edmonton Oilers lineup. He has recorded points in four of the team’s last six games since the break. He continues to generate offence at even strength. Podkolzin currently sits 37th in the league in 5v5 goals. He is tied with high-end scorers like Mikko Rantanen and Kirill Marchenko. Beyond that, his strong forecheck and physicality help endorse offensive zone time for the Oilers’ top players. That combination of depth scoring and relentless effort makes Podkolzin a valuable part of the lineup.
Matt Savoie is another player worth noting. He has added another dose of speed to the Oilers’ lineup. This gives their top lines even more pace through the neutral zone. His quick acceleration allows him to support rushes. He can keep up with the team’s high-tempo play. This ability helps him apply pressure on opposing teams. That speed helps create more space for the Oilers’ skill players while forcing defenders to make quicker decisions. Even in a depth role, Savoie’s pace has made the lineup more dynamic and harder to defend against.
Are these improvements enough to go on a Playoff run?
The Oilers are heading in the right direction as the postseason gets closer. Their defensive numbers have improved, the roster looks more balanced, and their depth players are starting to contribute in big ways. When combined with the offensive talent already in the lineup, it creates a team that is far more difficult to play against. If those trends continue, the Oilers will start the playoffs with the structure and momentum needed to make another serious playoff run.
That said, playoff hockey always presents a different challenge. Tight games, physical matchups, and special teams often decide who moves on and who goes home. The improvements in depth, defensive play, and penalty killing certainly give the Oilers a better foundation, but the real test will come when the intensity rises in the Playoffs. The question now becomes whether this version of the Oilers is truly built to take the next step, or are they still missing something that will push them over the top?
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
