Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates against the New York Rangers. Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Oilers Have Another Chance to Clinch Playoff Spot

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jon Alfano | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are barreling towards the postseason with unfinished business on their mind, but first things first, they have to secure their spot.

They have a chance to do just that on Friday night. If the Oilers get at least one point against the San Jose Sharks, they will clinch a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season (including 2020 when they lost in the qualifying round). They can also clinch if the Calgary Flames lose to the Minnesota Wild in any fashion, not that they needed any more reason to root against their arch rivals.

Three more spots in the 2025 #StanleyCup Playoffs are up for grabs as two Canadian teams have the opportunity to secure their spot (@CanadiensMTL & @EdmontonOilers), as well as the Central Division’s @mnwild. (more in ).#NHLStats https://t.co/BO51wDWtBn pic.twitter.com/qDFfA3jDSl
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 11, 2025

The Oilers came very close to clinching after Wednesday's win over the St. Louis Blues, but the Flames getting a point in an overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks denied them that chance.

Edmonton has won both of its previous games over San Jose, which is at the bottom of the league standings, by identical 3-2 scores, with the last meeting coming just over a week ago on April 3. The two Pacific Division rivals will also close the regular season against each other in Edmonton on Wednesday.

The Oilers recently received a big boost with superstar center Connor McDavid returning to the lineup after missing around three weeks with injury. McDavid immediately made an impact in his return, recording three assists in the win over the Blues.

Of course, the Oilers are the reigning Western Conference champions and will look to not only defend their crown, but to bring home the Stanley Cup. They erased a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, but ultimately fell in Game 7 in agonizing fashion.

Their path back to that point will likely begin with yet another matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, who they've defeated in the first round in each of the past three seasons.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: