Spring might be taking its sweet time, but for the Edmonton Oilers, it's a season of reflection and anticipation. With a few more wins during the winter months, they could have clinched the Pacific Division, a feat they haven't achieved since 1987.
Yet, despite the missed opportunities, there's a sense of optimism. Two consecutive Stanley Cup finals appearances suggest they're on the cusp of finding that winning formula.
The takeaway? More smart signings like Josh Samanski and fewer missteps in free agency.
A victory today would bring Edmonton within three points of the Ducks, with eight games left on the schedule compared to Anaheim's nine. Both teams have identical records over the last ten games, so the Oilers will need the Ducks to hit a rough patch to catch up.
As the playoffs loom, the focus shifts to the ideal lineup deployment. One intriguing option is Connor McDavid at center, flanked by Matt Savoie and Zach Hyman.
This trio has netted four goals while conceding three in 77 minutes. Another option is McDavid with Hyman and Vasily Podkolzin, which has been effective with a 4-1 goal advantage in just 47 minutes.
The Nuge-McDavid-Hyman line, while historically reliable, has shown signs of stagnation recently.
Leon Draisaitl centering Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen has been a powerhouse, boasting an 80% goal rate in 141 minutes. If Kapanen isn't at full strength, Jack Roslovic could be a solid alternative.
The depth chart includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jason Dickinson, Josh Samanski, Curtis Lazar, and Adam Henrique. Some will shift to the wing alongside Trent Frederic, Max Jones, Colton Dach, and Roby Jarventie.
A standout story is Josh Samanski, who has been impressive with a 6-4 goal differential in 150 minutes without McDavid and Draisaitl at five-on-five. His analytics might challenge conventional wisdom, but his performance suggests he should anchor the third line. Coach Kris Knoblauch faces the task of maximizing Samanski's potential in the lineup.
In the AHL, Ike Howard is hitting his stride, with 30 even-strength points in 40 games. While not leading the team, his per-game production is noteworthy. Meanwhile, Seth Griffith has reached a milestone with 700 AHL points, placing him 27th on the all-time list.
The Oilers are poised for an exciting finish to the season, with key decisions ahead that could shape their playoff journey.