I have been waiting for exactly one forever and the day has finally arrived. Today, Edmonton Oilers fans will watch a team with a chance to win the Stanley Cup without the high anxiety of watching every shift through the lens of Connor McDavid’s legacy. Why? Because the post-McDavid roster is beginning to form. Please read this.
Now, one hopes the captain signs an extension before his current contract expires. However, the shorter deal he agreed to, along with the younger set arriving this year, allows fans to dream on a future that excludes McDavid while still offering hope.
This year’s roster is younger and if you project the group into the 2028-29 season, there is strength in important areas. Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, Matt Savoie, Vasily Podkolzin, Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, Ike Howard, Josh Samanski and more.
There are feature players in prominent roles who are young. Savoie and Podkolzin lead the way, while others (Ike Howard, Josh Samanski) are pushing.
Let’s not bury the big story. The Oilers have McDavid through the spring of 2028. That means this spring, 2026, might be the last pure chance to watch the McDavid-Draisaitl-Bouchard Oilers win a Stanley Cup together without the worry of an exit. By next spring, everyone should be back, but there will be talk of moving on from the captain if a new contract doesn’t seem a viable option.
Enjoy this game. Nothing lasts forever. This Oilers team is splendid, all-world entertainment. Can the team find the discipline to play the postseason in the same goal suppression style we saw in the final 11 games of the season?
Just a reminder: In the final 11 games of the NHL season, the Oilers scored 37 and allowed 25 goals. That’ll play. Enjoy the game!
On the Lowdown today, we’ll set up the game and talk about an electric start to the playoffs across the NHL. Jason Gregor joins us at 1:20, Rachel Kryshak from Betalytics will be on at 1:40. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
Edmonton Oilers playoff roster: What are the strengths and weaknesses?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7209705/2026/04/20/edmonton-oilers-playoff-roster-2026-analysis/
A beauty LT
Excellent summary of current state compared with last years state.
One thing the same is KK and his tendency to prefer vets to youth despite evidence that shows that’s a bad idea (see Samanski out in favour of Henrique and/or Dickenson).
One other KK concern is his tendency to go nuclear at the earliest sign of trouble. Perhaps he has seen the benefit of some line consistency over throwing it all in the blender with having Drai out for the last 14 games (ish).
Top 5 reasons for optimism:
For me, a key will be the play of Darnell Nurse. Year after year, no matter how he played in the regular season (which has been all over the place), unlike the rest of the core of this team, his play has fallen off a cliff in the playoffs.
He’s been playing his best hockey of the season recently and we just need him to maintain that level of play.
Please.
Not only have the fans been waiting for this but so has the majority of the team who, as many noted from day one, just wanted to get through the regular season – sure there was more wobble than they anticipated but we’ve seen over the last few weeks how this team can play when they commit – even missing the likes of Drai, Hyman and Dickinson.
I am ready and so is this team.
This should be a very entertaining series do not underestimate the acquisition of John Carlson. He is a stud and can still play at a high level add Trouba and dirty,Gudas and they do have some formidable Dmen to be aware of ….Anaheim is the future powerhouse of the Pacific we might beat them this year, but in two years don’t be surprised if they’re in the Stanley Cup final they have some awesome young talent that is only going to get better.
With the moves Bowman has made, and if Connor signs again which I think he will, it might be a little longer than that before they are better than the Oilers
I just commented on Knoblauch playing Samanski at center where he has been killing it and last practice Henrique was in his place.
Knoblauch killing me here. I like Henrique but his best days are behind him.
I think Henri gets the vet nod, but if he doesn’t do well enough Knob will (he better) use Samanski
Henrique shouldn’t be getting the nod, I hope he finds some magic against his old squad or the comments are going to bury him and his coach.
I couldn’t agree more. I was ‘hoping’ Dickenson would be out a bit longer as I’m not seeing the ‘shutdown’ capability he is supposed to offer. The only thing Dickenson shuts down is offense from his line, from what I’ve seen thus far. Samanski has been a better shutdown option thus far, while still offering some offensive potential. I don’t get KK’s obvious preference for vets despite evidence to show it’s not the best choice. For a calm guy (appearing that way anyway), he has a significant stubborn streak.
I am excited to see Podz and Savoie perform. They will be key for this year and the next two playoffs. Oilers need players that can score when the going gets tough (outside of Drai, Bouch, and McD.
Stan Weir can slam a revolving door.
Stan Weir counted to infinity. Twice.
Stan Weir was born in a log cabin he built with his bare hands.
Invoking Stan Weir has NOT worked three times. Do you think it is a good idea to continue to bet on a losing meme?
So you agree the Skinner would not of worked for the 3rd time as well, slow clap.
you might be onto something – look what happened to chuck norris
To godot (for his post last night about Vasilevsky)
Yes, I do put some fault on Vasilevsky for what would be considered a really bad start (RBS), with a S% of .789, and a goals saved above expected (GSAE) of -1. Dobes also had a GSAE of ~ -1, so it evened out, but he was a negative difference maker in a game that was lost by a goal. He wasn’t the only factor. If you want a breakdown of the goals against, the OT one was likely the most saveable, but on PP goal 1 and 2 his lateral movement was not quick enough. On the Anderson goal he was deep in his net but the action went from behind the net to point blank in front in a heartbeat and I don’t begrudge him. However, at least one of those goals would be saved by an average goaltending performance, and he’d be the first to tell you that. My bigger takeaway is that even the mighty TBL can have poor PK and serious defensive gap coverage that can be exploited, and maybe we should all go a bit easier on the Oilers
However, to then use a single game to vindicate Skinner is ludicrous. We use objectivity and evidence to compare playoff performances:
Conn Smythe: Vas 1, Skin 0
Games Started: Vas 116. He started 25, 23, 23 in 3 consecutive playoffs, 100% of games. Skinner 51. Started 23, 15 on the last 2 playoff runs because he lost the net on each occasion during critical points in a playoff series where the team was losing the series.
S%: Vas .917, Skinner .892
RBS%: Vas 16/121 = 13.2%, Skinner 18/51= 35.3%
(Skinner’s first game of the series was not counted as a RBS, which is usually <.850 S%. His S% was .850 that night).
During a RBS, the team has a <10% chance of winning
Quality start % (60 excellent, 53 is average, <50 is poor): Vas 61.2, Skinner 41.3
Because above stats can be affected by team play
GSAA/82 GP (Hockey Reference): Vas +21.3, Skinner -21.6
GSAE/60 by season (Moneypuck):
Vas: ’23:-0.48, ’24:+0.262, ’25: -0.245, 26’: -0.978
’16: +0.497, ’18: -0.042, ’19: -1.298, ’20: +0.724, ’21: +1.149, ’22: +0.663
Skinner: ’23: -0.610 (Campbell +1.776), 24:+0.083 (Pickard +0.53), ’25: 0 (Pickard -0.228), ’26: -1.249
Only once was Skinner better in the same season, and these were some of Vas’ worst years. Skinner’s best season involved him saving 0.08 goals more per game than expected. Vas saved 0.5-1.1 a goal a game or more above expected 4 times, including the 2 SC winning years.
Interestingly, Vasilevsky’s QS% in the last 4 playoffs has been poor: 33.3, 40.0, 40.0. 0.0*(1 game), and a RBS% of 4/17=23.5%, coinciding with TBL not making it out of the 1st round 3x and down 0-1, but comparable numbers to Skinner (who last season had ghastly QS% of 40.0 and RBS% 46.7), suggesting Vasilevsky didn’t have the run support that Skinner received. His opponents have been TML, FLA, FLA, MTL these seasons, so having 1/2 your games against the FLA juggernaut is more significant than Skinner’s ~1/4.
So, ya, I would put some of the fault on Vasilevsky’s shoulders last night. After running the numbers, I would also be concerned with his last few years’ performances.
But that doesn’t mean I would have any more confidence in Skinner.
It means I would be giving Ingram a chance and going hard after 27 y/o Gustavsson now that Wallstedt is their goalie of the future
With goalies the eye test to me carries more weight than for skaters, because they are stationary and play the entire game usually
Most goalies that stick in the league will have hot games and make big saves. The difference that makes the top goalies that is do they have any big issues with their game, and how often are they at their best?
Stu did not round his game out as an Oiler. For me watching him he didn’t look like a typical NHL goalie, and he wasn’t doing that Hasek style, unusual but great. Whether he found the right deal or not, Bowman made the right call, and found a good starter for free
Good analysis. The real question tho is:
Invoking Stan Weir has NOT worked three times. Do you think it is a good idea to keep betting on a losing meme?
On playoff day one for the Oilers The Athletic media going all in on McDavid is going to leave stories.
Weird
I’m taking it as enjoy the moment. 97’s time in Edmonton isn’t guaranteed so soak it in.
They waited for the perfect time to maximize clicks. Kudos to them I guess.
Many of them like poopooing the Oilers all season, maybe they can’t think of anything else negative to write since the team got rolling
Team is at its best suffocating the life out of you and cycling you to death in waves. A nice change of pace with PDS (Pat Dach Supremacy) to wear them down and you got a series.
Dictate the game, stay focused, weird stuff (and reffing) will happen because Oilers and you just work through it.
GOilers! Clap Clap
For me that isn’t their best, I don’t think they have quite found it yet. When they can do that and generate more 5v5 goals that will be it
Beautiful
Death had a near Stan Weir experience.
Stan Weir once parallel parked a train.
Stan Weir made an onion cry.
Stan Weir knew what to tell Corey.
Awesome
Invoking Stan Weir has NOT worked three times. Do you think it is a good idea to bet on a losing meme?
Wanna come to my pre-game BBQ you sound really fun at parties. I have Striploin, Picanha, Sausage, Drumsticks, Corn, and potatoes with all the fixins.
Coronas on special but i got a good shelf and have upgraded my cocktail game recently.
Swing by you can tell me what meme will work.
Go Oilers
Here’s to hoping Adam Henrique (being the only ex Duck we have) can hold onto Dostal’s leg in the crease until we win
I’m going into tonight’s game filled with anticipation, but not panic. Outside of Dostal I am not worried about the Ducks bringing something we did not see in the season. They are a terribly talented team, but young and I think the moment will be too much for them.
Meanwhile, the Oilers seem to have registered what makes them work, and with their playoff experience I think they will be dialed in with the type of game they need to play. Add in Drai, sooner or later, and the offense will be too much for their opponent.
Now, if we could find a way to start before 8pm every night, I would be grateful. My 5:30 wake up is too much for these late games.
One positive about this season is that it makes going into the playoffs more like normal. There aren’t ‘expectations’ and all of the false narrative talk about being all in, win now (any decent pro sports team should be all in all of the time), which did no one any good
What we have is as you said, anticipation, hopefulness, and the knowledge that these guys can do damage when their bodies are on board and they put their minds to it
This year feels more open than previous years too. After watching the games this weekend, I have less idea of who will move forward than I did Friday. Outside of the Avs, all the series seem like pick-em’s.
The Ducks are a blend of young and old with several players having extensive playoff experience and Stanley Cup rings.
Alex Killorn has 2 – 140 GP
John Carlson has 1 – 137 GP
Mikael Granlund – 77 GP
Jacob Trouba – 73 GP
Radko Gudas – 57 GP
Frank Vatrano – 37 GP
It’s likely key that Joel Quenneville, who has coached 3 teams to a cup win, has to impart on the youngsters what it takes to win.
Great comment. Value add!
Cool story. And one that doesn’t really have to do with bar_qu’s comment if you actually read it. You should try reading comments instead of skimming the page for keywords and copy+pasting old posts.
That reminds me of the Oilers the last few runs. Many of the vets are past their best before dates. Not bad, just not what they were
But how tall are they and how much do they weigh.
Stan Weir once lifted the Stanley Cup so hard that the trophy asked for a timeout.
Invoking Stan Weir has NOT worked three times. Do you think it is a good idea to keep betting on a losing meme?
Hockey men are divided on whether you can carry momentum game to game.
I’m of the mind that this team has finally found top dead centre. They’re in tune and firing on all cylinders. And, about to bolt on a supercharger upon Leon’s return.
It’s finally time to put the pedal to the metal, this is where the rubber hits the road. Pikes Peak, here we come.
I just want one more Cup before I die. Stan Weir, we turn our lonely eyes to you!
Invoking Stan Weir has NOT worked three times. Do you think it is a good idea to keep betting on a losing meme?
It’s a tradition, a superstition, has nothing to do with reality or game outcomes
Tradition for people who apparently enjoy the heartbreak of losing. Why embrace what is now a losing meme?
Because most of them are pretty funny, we like humour around these parts
The definition of insanity…
Matt Savoie scored 18 goals to Ryan McLeod’s 14 in his first year in the NHL. Just sayin.
I’ll add that he did it in the top 6, by which I don’t mean he had an advantage, I mean that he can actually play well in the Oilers’ top 6. Connor and Leon need good wingers that can help ‘and’ put the puck in the net
I think that this was one of the major failings of the previous regime. Our measuring stick for what makes a great Oiler team, Slats, found the wingers Wayne and Mark needed in fairly short order
Bowman has done more to build this team in less than two years than anyone else has going back to at least MacTavish, if not before
The McDavid-Draisaitl Oilers are the most entertaining thing I’ve ever seen.
I hope it lasts another decade because once it’s over we’ll likely never see anything like it again.
I’ll enjoy this series in particular in contrast to the 2017 series when I attended the fateful game 5 in Anaheim. Revenge is delicious when it takes nine years to serve it up.
May I suggest a nice chianti with some duck l’orange?
Chambers had Gudas’ liver with fava beans and a nice chianti
Sticks Up! Work hard every shift! Godspeed!
Let’s keep the sticks down this time 🙂
We are back baby!
Captain is right, regular season has become a bit monotonous.
Time to avenge Talbot! I hope Dach takes out Gudas’ knees early.
Who is our heaviest heavyweight?
I think this group doesn’t have a league type heavyweight like Olivier, but does have 5 guys that are big and can do some damage, and 6 when Jones is healthy
Gudas (I believe) cost us a gold medal earlier this year by taking out Crosby. Then he took out Matthews in a really dirty move (IMHO). I think the Oilers need to hammer that guy constantly and wear him down. But if he takes any liberties with our skilled players, the team needs to shift gears really quickly and hammer the hell out of Anaheim’s skilled players.
The officiating is a joke and will never protect our skilled players.
Go get em Oilers!!