Oilers Game Tonight: Playoff Push Resumes in Anaheim
The Edmonton Oilers are back in action tonight, emerging from the Olympic break with a critical matchup against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. This game marks the start of a three-game California road trip as the Oilers battle for playoff positioning. Fans can catch the game live on Sportsnet at 8:30 PM MT or tune in to the Oilers Radio Network, including 880 CHED. Enhance your experience with exclusive content by subscribing to Oilers+.
A Tight Race for the Playoffs
The Oilers return to the ice with 24 regular season games remaining. While currently holding second place in the Pacific Division, they face a tight race. They are four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead, but only one point ahead of both the Ducks and Seattle Kraken, and four ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. This road trip, including subsequent games against the Kings and San Jose Sharks, is pivotal.
“We’ve only got 24 games left, and we are right on the line of making or not making playoffs,” Head Coach Kris Knoblauch stated after Tuesday’s practice in Orange County. “Especially this road trip, there’s not a stretch of games that are probably more important than they are right now playing the California teams.”
Forward Leon Draisaitl echoed this sentiment: “We know the position we’re in. We’ve got to win games, we’ve got to bank in points and secure our spot in a playoff race.”
Draisaitl Returns from Olympic Duty
Leon Draisaitl rejoined the Oilers in Anaheim after a strong showing for Germany at the Winter Games in Milan. He recorded two goals and five assists in five appearances, leading his team to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Slovakia.
“Representing your country at a stage like that is special, and getting to play with some of my childhood friends and guys that I grew up with, that doesn’t happen every day for me,” Draisaitl shared. He also highlighted the valuable experience gained competing against top NHL talent.
A particularly memorable moment for Draisaitl was carrying the German flag during the opening ceremonies. “That was really, really cool. Probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever had the chance at doing. Walking in to 75,000 people and the Olympic rings hanging over you, that was pretty cool.”
McDavid’s Status Uncertain
Captain Connor McDavid also arrived in Anaheim on Tuesday after competing in the gold-medal match for Canada. While Draisaitl is expected to play tonight, McDavid’s return is less certain. He will skate during Wednesday’s morning practice, and his game status will be determined afterward.
“We had some discussions in January about the possibility of what happens when the tournament ends, when he flies back, how he feels about coming back and playing immediately,” Knoblauch explained. “A lot of it has to do with how he’s feeling injury-wise, health-wise, energy-wise probably the biggest factor.”
Other Injury Updates
Kasperi Kapanen is not expected to play against the Ducks or Kings as he continues to recover from an undisclosed ailment. However, Knoblauch anticipates Kapanen will be available for Saturday’s game in San Jose.
Stay tuned for further updates on the NHL and the Edmonton Oilers!
