Edmonton Oilers Pregame Thoughts

For the next two weeks before the Playoffs start, I call on a mandate for every player on the team to wear bubble wrap on their equipment.

At one point in the second period, when the Oilers had a power play opportunity, I noticed Adam Henrique taking a one-timer on the spot where we’d normally see Leon Draisaitl. At first, I thought Edmonton’s second PP unit had just come onto the ice. Then I clued in that Draisaitl left the game due to injury… Again. Leon had some weird tumbles during the game. He got tripped up and then showed frustration on the bench because he felt there should’ve been a penalty. Not long after that, he slipped behind his own net after stepping on the puck. If Thursday night’s game were a Playoff game or against a division rival like tonight, he wouldn’t hesitate to finish the game. Playing against the 32nd place team in the league doesn’t come with the same urgency, so better safe than sorry. Kris Knoblauch told the media that he’s only out short-term and it shouldn’t be a concern heading into the Playoffs. That being said. Maybe don’t bring him back as quickly as before.

There were some promising things happening without Leon that are still shining brightly. Viktor Arvidsson has scored a goal in 3 straight games, finally starting to pick up his offense. Jeff Skinner got a goal and an assist, 3rd line Jeff isn’t what we want, but it is productive. Connor Brown scored a goal that made him look like another Connor, and Calvin Pickard had another solid start in net. The Oilers only sit 5 points out of 1st in the Pacific Division. It’s a hard ask to believe that Vegas free-falls out of 1st place like Edmonton did in February, and they’re not missing their top players like Edmonton is. But it is a sight for sore eyes if you believe in Hockey miracles. The more likely Round 1 preview begins tonight. The keys to the game are…

LA Living: The Kings have the best home record this season, going 28-4-4 so far. Home ice advantage could be a massive weapon for them, should the Oilers meet them for the 4th straight postseason. Dubbing these 2 points and then also beating the Kings in the 81st game as crucial is not an understatement.

Blue Paint: In the first meeting at Crypto.com Arena, I know Draisaitl made a great play to strip the puck in the offensive zone and set up a goal. But there were lots of other goals scored where there was business in the crease or someone driving the net. In the second meeting at Rogers Place, the lone goal was scored off a rebound near the side of the net. I predict the goalie whose life is made worse will lose this game.

In The Middle: With Edmonton’s nagging injuries, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is their lone top 6 centerman against a team that has Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield, and Phillip Danault. On the forecheck, backcheck, and face-off dot, the Oilers have a ton of extra work cut out for them.