Oilers Eyeing Game With Huge Playoff Implications

EDMONTON — It was a practice day for the Edmonton Oilers today.

After a decisive 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night, the Oilers were back on the grind today. They had a unique practice this morning that was absent of several big name players.

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci were all not on the ice for practice. While I didn’t see them at the rink – they were more than likely away from the rink getting some much needed physical and mental rest.

Edmonton Oilers. Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Two teams that aren’t getting rest tonight – are two teams that the Oilers need to keep tabs on.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks.

Making things easier for the Oilers (and their fans) is the fact that these two teams are playing each other tonight. This is one of two games being played in the NHL.

Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Golden Knights have won two (by a 4-1 and 6-3 final score) while the Canucks have one lone 3-1 win to their credit.

In their last 10 games the Golden Knights have a 7-2-1 record – which most recently featured an epic third period collapse against the Arizona Coyotes. Conversely, the Canucks are 5-5-0 over their last 10 – holding onto the top spot in the Pacific Division by the hairs on their respective chins.

Vancouver Canucks are in first place in the Pacific Division. Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The Canucks currently have 102 points, the Oilers 99 and the Golden Knights 92. This sets the stage for tonight’s game – especially when you factor in Wednesday’s matchup of the Oilers and Golden Knights.

If the Canucks win, they put more pressure on the Oilers. If the Golden Knights win, the Oilers gain another game in hand to increase their chances of getting home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

Logan Thompson. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

However, if the Wild Card spots remain as they are – if the Oilers finish 1st in the Pacific, they would face the Nashville Predators. If they finish 2nd, then it would be the Los Angeles Kings.

As far as the Oilers are concerned, as long as it’s not the Golden Knights – it might not matter.

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