5 Must-Win Oilers Games Following the Olympic Break

The Edmonton Oilers begin play following the Olympic break in second place in the Pacific Division with a 28-22-8 record for 64 points. They have been mediocre all season and have yet to get on a hot streak. They must find consistency over the final 24 games and gain momentum as we approach the playoffs.

The Oilers have plenty of home games and divisional games remaining, so this is their opportunity to climb the standings. Every game is important, but some are more than others. Here are five must-win games for the Oilers for the remainder of the season if they hope to solidify their playoff spot and potentially win their division for the first time since 1987.

Feb. 25 (Anaheim Ducks on the Road)

The Oilers battle the Anaheim Ducks immediately after the break, and it’s a big one. The Oilers are notoriously slow starters after lengthy lay-offs. They started this season 5-4-3 in October and went 0-4-0 immediately following the 4 Nations Face-Off event last February. They were outscored 21-10 in those four games. Their attention to detail on defence was nonexistent during that stretch, and that can’t happen this time. It’s essential to come out of the gates flying and ready to play. They come into this game already on a three-game losing streak, and they need to snap that immediately.

While it’s important to get off to a good start after the break, this is also a huge divisional game. The Ducks are an up-and-coming team, and they’re only one point behind the Oilers in the standings with two games in hand. This is the second of three meetings between the two clubs this season, but the only one in Anaheim. The Oilers were victorious in their first meeting, winning 7-4 at Rogers Place. Unfortunately, Connor McDavid is questionable to play the first game back after representing Canada at the Olympics. So, the team will have to win this one without him if he’s unavailable.

March 10 (Colorado Avalanche on the Road)

This is the second meeting of the season between Edmonton and the Colorado Avalanche. The Oilers got embarrassed 9-1 at home against the Avalanche on Nov. 8, so this is their chance for redemption. The Oilers also play Colorado at home on April 13, but this game is more significant for several reasons. Firstly, the Avalanche beat the Oilers in Edmonton, so it’s time to return the favour. Secondly, the game on April 13 is Colorado’s third-to-last of the season, so if they secure the Central Division, resting players is a realistic possibility. Therefore, that victory won’t have the same effect if Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas aren’t playing. Who knows what the standings picture will look like then?

If the Oilers want to be viewed as one of the best teams in the Western Conference, they have to beat the best. The Avalanche are the frontrunners to win the Presidents’ Trophy with an impeccable 37-9-9 record for 83 points. The Oilers need to prove that they can compete with the best, especially after getting shellacked by them earlier this season.

March 26 (Vegas Golden Knights on the Road)

This one is self-explanatory. The Vegas Golden Knights are the Oilers’ biggest rival in the Pacific Division, and if the Oilers hope to win the division, they must go through Vegas. They beat Vegas on the road in the playoffs courtesy of Kasperi Kapanen’s overtime winner and must do it again.