Edmonton Oilers Pregame Thoughts

The day after has to be the saddest I’ve ever felt about clinching a Playoff spot. Mattias Ekholm returned to the lineup on Friday night. It only lasted for less than 2 minutes because he reaggravated his previous injury. Via a tweet from Ryan Rishaug, there’s a good chance he’s out for the rest of the season. Then Zach Hyman gets checked in the second period, and he had to leave the game. How are we supposed to celebrate Connor McDavid having seven points in his two games back when we still keep losing more players? This dumb luck with injuries that we’re getting at the worst possible time is really how Jeff Skinner is going to remember his very first postseason appearance? The whole team should start wearing those large bubble costumes that we sometimes see during intermissions.

Stan Bowman made some minor league signings yesterday. One was 26-year-old goaltender Samuel Jonsson, named 2024/2025 Goalie of the Year in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan league, posting a 17-6-0 record with a 1.88 GAA, .922 SV%, and six shutouts. The other was 23-year-old right winger Quinn Hutson, elder brother of the Habs young star defenseman Lane. In 116 games played for Boston University, he has 114 points. Will he reach the same NHL heights as his brother? We’ll see in due time.

There isn’t too much pressure to be felt tonight. The Oilers clinched against a non-playoff team, so they don’t have to worry about whether or not the best in the west will spoil their chances. On a lighter note, happy belated birthday, Nuge. The keys to the game are…

Edmonton Oilers Notes

Take Notice: During an intermission on Hockey Night In Canada last night, the panel showed highlights of the first period between the Jets and Blackhawks. They pointed out that Connor Hellebuyck was making uncharacteristic plays with the puck out of his net, one of which even led to a goal against. Of course, with Hellebuyck playing last night, we can’t see him playing tonight. But how can Edmonton pressure the other goalie to make mistakes.

Foreshadowing?: Stuart Skinner was back in the lineup as the backup on Friday, and tonight is the first half of a back-to-back that concludes with our 1st round opponent. After this game, whoever gets the L.A. start between Skinner and Calvin Pickard MIGHT indicate who the Oilers feel comfortable, not necessarily using for the entire series, but starting with.

Different 3rd: In the last meeting between these teams, Edmonton salvaged a point against Winnipeg even while losing McDavid before the third period. With 97 back and already 1 point away from another 100 point season after coming back, he’s going to want to collect that, (while staying careful). Those 7 points he has since returning have all been assists. Might he want a goal?