After aiming for the Pacific Division title at the start of the season, the Edmonton Oilers concluded in third place with a game in San Jose.
However, as demonstrated in their 3-0 victory against San Jose, the Oilers are regaining their health, refining their strategy, and solidifying their goaltending, fostering a sense of optimism.
There`s a growing belief within the team that despite their final regular-season standing, they are beginning to perform at the level they anticipated as the playoffs approached.
“It`s all about building momentum as we head into the most critical part of the year,” stated defenseman Ty Emberson, celebrating his first NHL multi-point game with a goal and an assist. “We`re focused on maintaining puck control, minimizing turnovers, and preventing easy opportunities for our opponents.”
In his second game back after recovering from a concussion, goalie Stuart Skinner delivered a flawless performance, stopping all 18 shots from the Sharks. Although not heavily tested, he appeared composed and in command, likely setting himself up for a Game 1 start against the Los Angeles Kings, potentially on Sunday.
“I honestly didn`t feel much rust tonight. I felt quite good, which boosts my confidence as we enter the first round,” Skinner commented.
Skinner has faced only 18 shots in each of his recent two starts, albeit against opponents with little at stake. Edmonton`s overall team performance was robust against a Sharks team that posed minimal threat.
“It`s impressive,” Skinner remarked. “We`re limiting the shots against us, indicating that we`re effectively keeping opponents to the perimeter. Simultaneously, our players are blocking shots and positioning themselves to prevent scoring chances.”
Captain Connor McDavid is showcasing peak form once again, and there is anticipation that Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jake Walman, Troy Stecher, and possibly Evander Kane could rejoin the lineup for Game 1 against the Kings.
“We`ve faced numerous injuries,” Emberson acknowledged. “There`s been constant roster changes, with players moving in and out, some playing shorthanded or through injuries. But I think it`s been beneficial overall. Everyone has stepped up.”
“As you can see, we`re finding our rhythm as we move into the playoffs.”
The Oilers concluded their last 10 regular-season games with a 7-3 record, navigating a period marked by significant injuries over the past month.
They finished the season with a 48-29-5 record, accumulating 101 points—marking their fourth consecutive 100-point season. Conversely, San Jose concluded their season on an 11-game losing streak, positioning themselves favorably for the top pick in the draft lottery with a 25.5 percent chance of winning.
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Century Mark Achieved
Connor McDavid needed only 8:20 to accomplish the final objective of a season that began slowly but concluded strongly, highlighted by 10 assists in his last four games.
The Oilers` captain advanced along the right wing with the puck, passed to Ty Emberson at the blue line, and Emberson`s shot found its way into the net for a 1-0 lead. McDavid concludes the season with exactly 100 points (tied for fifth in the NHL), 74 assists (third), and an average of 1.49 points per game, tying him with Draisaitl for second place behind Nikita Kucherov (1.57).
Tristan Blackwood