The Oilers secure a postseason berth for the sixth consecutive year, but injuries continue to mount.
For the sixth straight season, the Edmonton Oilers are playoff-bound. With a thrilling 5–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights and a little help from around the Western Conference standings, the Oilers officially punched their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team’s offensive firepower, headlined by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, once again proved too overwhelming for much of the league to handle. But even amid the celebration, a shadow hangs over Edmonton’s postseason hopes — injuries are piling up at the worst possible time.
As the Oilers prepare to chase the Stanley Cup, they must now navigate the treacherous waters of April hockey with a lineup that’s looking increasingly banged up. Several key contributors are dealing with injuries, including two top-six forwards and a veteran defenseman who has served as a steadying presence on the blue line all season. It’s a situation that head coach Kris Knoblauch is all too aware of, and one that could threaten to derail what many believe is Edmonton’s best shot at a championship since their 2006 run to the Final.
The Core Keeps Rolling
Despite the growing list of injured players, the heart of the Oilers’ roster continues to beat strong. McDavid, once again performing at an MVP level, has been dazzling with both his scoring and playmaking. Through 76 games, the captain has tallied 32 goals and a league-leading 91 assists, putting him on pace to finish with over 120 points for the third time in his career.
Leon Draisaitl hasn’t been far behind. The German superstar recently recorded his fourth consecutive 100-point season and continues to be a lethal threat on the power play. Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for over 60 goals and an absurd 200 points. When they’re on the ice, the Oilers are a nightmare for opposing defenses — a fact that has carried the team through tight games all season long.
But perhaps the most encouraging development has been the emergence of depth scoring. Zach Hyman has reached the 40-goal plateau for the first time in his career, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane have provided timely contributions. Warren Foegele and Corey Perry have added grit and veteran savvy, helping the Oilers win crucial games when their stars have gone quiet.
A Defense That’s Better Than Advertised
Critics have long pointed to the Oilers’ defense as the team’s Achilles’ heel. But under assistant coach Paul Coffey and head coach Knoblauch, Edmonton has steadily improved in its own zone. The midseason trade for shutdown defenseman Mattias Ekholm last year continues to pay dividends, as he’s formed a reliable pairing with Evan Bouchard. Bouchard, now in his breakout season, has developed into a top-tier puck mover with elite vision and a booming shot from the point.
Darnell Nurse, while still occasionally prone to mistakes, has settled into a dependable top-four role, while veteran Cody Ceci has brought a physical edge that’s been vital during the grind of the regular season. However, injuries to depth defensemen like Brett Kulak and Vincent Desharnais have forced the Oilers to shuffle pairings and rely on AHL call-ups during key games.
Goaltending, another frequent question mark in Edmonton, has also stabilized. Stuart Skinner has emerged as the team’s clear-cut No. 1 netminder, and his consistent play has helped quiet concerns about the crease. While backup Calvin Pickard has been serviceable, Skinner’s ability to steal games down the stretch has been a key factor in the Oilers’ second-half surge.
The Injury Bug Bites Again
Unfortunately for the Oilers, just as they hit their stride in late March and early April, the injury list began to grow. The most concerning absence is that of Ryan McLeod, the speedy third-line center whose two-way play and penalty killing have made him invaluable. McLeod suffered a lower-body injury in a game against the Kings and has been ruled week-to-week.
Joining McLeod on the injury report is Derek Ryan, who left a recent game with an upper-body injury after a heavy collision behind the net. Ryan has been a mainstay on Edmonton’s fourth line and a trusted penalty killer. Without him, the Oilers’ bottom six has struggled to maintain puck possession and forecheck effectively.
On defense, Vincent Desharnais is nursing a hand injury that may keep him out of the opening round. While not a flashy player, Desharnais has been a reliable, stay-at-home defender and a crucial part of Edmonton’s penalty kill. His absence will test the team’s depth, especially if Kulak isn’t at 100% either.
To fill the void, the Oilers have recalled Philip Broberg from AHL Bakersfield. Once considered a future cornerstone on the blue line, Broberg has yet to establish himself as an NHL regular. His skating and raw talent are undeniable, but inconsistency and decision-making issues have held him back. Now, with the playoffs looming, he’ll have another chance to prove he belongs.
“Next Man Up” Mentality
In the locker room, the Oilers are doing their best to stay upbeat. McDavid emphasized the importance of resilience following the team’s clinching win:
“Injuries are part of the game, especially this time of year,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can step up. We believe in our depth, and we’ve seen players rise to the occasion before.”
That sentiment was echoed by Knoblauch, who praised the team’s ability to stay focused amid adversity.
“You never want to see guys go down, but we’re confident in the group we have,” Knoblauch said. “We’ve got options. We’ll make adjustments, and we’ll be ready.”
Indeed, this Oilers team is battle-tested. Many of these players were part of the squad that reached the Western Conference Final in 2022, and they remember the physical toll of postseason hockey. The difference now is that Edmonton boasts greater organizational depth and a coaching staff that seems more adaptable than in years past.
Matchup Watch: Who Will Edmonton Face?
With the playoff field tightening, it’s still unclear who the Oilers will face in the first round. As of now, they’re jockeying with the Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche for seeding in the West. A first-round showdown with the Los Angeles Kings — a team the Oilers have eliminated in two consecutive postseasons — is on the table again, though the resurgent Nashville Predators or dangerous Dallas Stars remain possibilities as well.
The Oilers know that no matter the opponent, the margins will be razor-thin. In each of the past two postseasons, they’ve been bounced by eventual Cup champions — the Avalanche in 2022 and the Golden Knights in 2023. The team feels that this year, they’ve learned from those heartbreaks.
What Success Looks Like Now
For a franchise that’s grown accustomed to early exits, merely making the playoffs isn’t enough. This core was built to win a Stanley Cup — anything less will be viewed as a disappointment. With McDavid now 28 and Draisaitl potentially nearing the end of his current contract, the window to win feels urgent.
Edmonton has gone all-in in recent years, trading away future assets and committing big dollars to its top players. General manager Ken Holland has made it clear that this is the year to capitalize on the team’s prime. The pressure is on.
A Familiar Fork in the Road
Six straight playoff appearances represent significant progress for a franchise that, for much of the 2010s, was synonymous with dysfunction. The Oilers are no longer just a team with star power — they’re a legitimate contender. But the path forward won’t be easy. Injuries have already tested the roster, and more are likely to come. The playoffs demand physical sacrifice, and Edmonton is already feeling the cost.
Still, there’s a sense that this team is different. More balanced. More prepared. If the Oilers can weather the injury storm and get key players back in time, they have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league.
In a few short weeks, we’ll know whether this sixth straight postseason berth is just another chapter in the McDavid-Draisaitl era — or the beginning of the one that finally ends in silver.
