As the Edmonton Oilers head into the Olympic break, there’s no shortage of storylines swirling around this team. From goaltending questions to Connor McDavid’s relentless point pace, the next week could prove pivotal-not just for their place in the Pacific Division, but for how they approach the stretch run and trade deadline.
Let’s break down what fans need to keep an eye on from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8.
Crease Crisis: Goaltending Questions Continue
Let’s start with the elephant in the room-goaltending. In their recent 7-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild, Tristan Jarry was pulled after giving up five goals on 20 shots.
It wasn’t just a bad outing-it was the latest chapter in a season-long saga in net. Connor Ingram came in to mop up, but the bigger issue remains: Head Coach Kris Knoblauch hasn’t found a steady hand between the pipes, and it’s becoming a problem the Oilers can’t afford to ignore.
With the playoffs looming and the Olympic break offering a natural reset point, the pressure is mounting to find stability in goal. Whether it’s Jarry regaining form, Ingram stepping up, or outside reinforcements arriving via trade, something has to give. Because come playoff time, inconsistent goaltending is a recipe for an early exit.
Pacific Division Pressure Cooker
Despite that stumble against Minnesota, the Oilers are still very much in the thick of the Pacific Division race. At 28-20-8, they sit tied with the Vegas Golden Knights at 64 points.
The catch? Vegas has games in hand, which means Edmonton needs to make every one of their remaining pre-break matchups count.
This week’s back-to-back games are critical-not just for standings, but for momentum. Heading into the Olympic pause with two wins could mean sitting atop the division and setting the tone for the final stretch. Drop both, and suddenly you’re chasing instead of leading.
Connor McDavid: Still the Engine
If there’s been one constant this season, it’s Connor McDavid doing Connor McDavid things. With 95 points (34 goals, 61 assists) in 56 games, he’s on a torrid pace and well on track to break the 100-point mark before the league returns from its Olympic hiatus.
McDavid isn’t just putting up big numbers-he’s keeping the Oilers afloat. In a season where the defense has been leaky and the goaltending uneven, his offensive brilliance has been the difference between contending and collapsing.
As long as No. 97 is on the ice, the Oilers have a shot. But he can’t do it alone forever.
Battle of Alberta: Final Round Before the Break
Circle Wednesday on the calendar. The Oilers face off against the Calgary Flames in the final installment of the “Battle of Alberta” before the Olympic break.
It’s always a heated rivalry, but this one comes with added weight. Not only is it the last game before players disperse for international duty, but it’s also a chance to head into the pause on a high note.
A win over Calgary would be more than just two points-it would be a statement. A reminder that despite their flaws, this team can rise to the moment. And let’s be honest: there’s no better way to enter the break than by taking down your biggest rivals.
Roster Freeze & Trade Deadline Implications
With the Olympic break comes the league’s roster freeze, starting Feb. 5. That means no trades or roster moves during the pause, giving General Manager Stan Bowman a narrow window to assess what he has-and what he still needs.
The buzz around Edmonton suggests the front office is eyeing upgrades on the blue line and possibly in goal. That makes these final two games before the freeze an important audition for depth players, including recent call-up Josh Samanski. If someone wants to earn a bigger role-or avoid being part of a trade package-now’s the time to show it.
What’s Ahead: Oilers Schedule (Feb. 1-8)
With just two games remaining before the Olympic break, the Oilers don’t have much time to answer their biggest questions. But they do have an opportunity. Two wins could mean a division lead, a confidence boost, and a clearer picture of what this team needs heading into the final stretch of the season.
For now, it’s all eyes on the crease, the captain, and the calendar. The next week could tell us a lot about where this Oilers team is headed-and how far they can go.