The Edmonton Oilers aren’t just finding their stride-they’re doing it with depth, balance, and a little swagger. And if they could bottle up whatever it is that happens every time they face the Vancouver Canucks, they'd be leading the Pacific Division by a mile. Edmonton’s bottom six forwards have absolutely feasted on Vancouver this season, combining for a dominant goal differential that speaks to just how dangerous this team can be when all four lines are rolling.
Let’s break it down: the Oilers’ “Glimmer Twins” line-whether skating together or apart-has a 3-1 goal edge against the Canucks this year, good for a 75% share. And the rest of the forward group?
They’re not far behind at 5-2, a 71% mark. That’s not just winning hockey-that’s domination.
Vancouver might want to start circling these games in red ink and doubling up on video sessions.
January Expectations vs. Reality
Coming into the month, the Oilers were projected to go 8-3-4 in January, a solid 20-point haul over 15 games. So far, they’re 4-2-2 through eight, banking 10 points-right on pace.
The schedule has been a mixed bag, with some expected wins and a few dropped points, but the bigger picture is promising. Edmonton sits at 24-17-8 on the season, with 56 points in 49 games, good enough for second place in the division.
Vegas is on a heater of their own, but Edmonton isn’t folding. They’re writing their own story, and it’s starting to sound like a playoff tune-up.
Forward Line Breakdown
Let’s talk about what the forwards brought to the table in their most recent outing:
- Podkolzin-McDavid-Hyman: Logged 10:25 together, outscored opponents 1-0, and posted a 58% expected goal share. They were solid, if not spectacular, but the high-danger chances (3-2) show they were generating quality looks.
- Frederic-Nugent-Hopkins-Kapanen: This line was on fire. In just over 10 minutes, they went 2-0 in goals, 6-4 in shots, and controlled 91% of expected goals.
That’s elite-level production. Nugent-Hopkins was especially sharp, picking up two assists and driving play with confidence.
Kapanen chipped in two goals of his own, and the chemistry here is starting to look real.
- Howard-Roslovic-Savoie: Another strong showing. They outscored their opponents 1-0 and had an 8-7 edge in shots.
The expected goals weren’t as strong (28%), but they made their chances count. Roslovic scored twice, and Ike Howard added a slick assist-his development is something to keep an eye on.
- Mangiapane-Lazar-Janmark: Less ice time, but still contributed. Curtis Lazar’s net drive on the opening goal was a tone-setter, and while the line didn’t dominate in possession or high-danger chances, they played with energy and purpose.
Defensive Pairings and Goaltending
- Ekholm-Bouchard: This pairing continues to be a rock. In over 14 minutes, they outshot opponents 7-5, outscored them 2-0, and posted a 72% expected goal share.
They also led the team in high-danger chances for (6-3). This is the kind of top-pair performance that wins playoff games.
- Nurse-Emberson: A little more chaotic, with a 5-7 shot deficit, but they still came out ahead on the scoreboard (1-0). They were solid in their own end and did enough to keep things stable.
- Walman-Stastney: This duo had a rougher outing, getting outshot 4-9 and giving up a 3-10 high-danger chance margin. That’s a lot of traffic to manage, and they’ll need to tighten things up moving forward.
Then there’s Tristan Jarry, who was nothing short of stellar. He stopped all 31 shots he faced, including 11 high-danger chances, en route to his first shutout as an Oiler.
His overall save percentage sits at .907, which puts him right in line with Connor Ingram. But more importantly, his five-on-five save percentage with Edmonton is .922 over five games.
That’s a small sample, but it’s a meaningful one-especially when you consider how unsettled the goaltending situation was earlier in the season.
Jarry looks comfortable, confident, and exactly like the kind of veteran presence Edmonton needed in the crease. With Stuart Skinner now in Pittsburgh and playing well, it looks like both teams are benefiting from the change. Sometimes, a fresh start is all it takes.
Looking Ahead: Pickard, Playoffs, and the Bottom Six
The Oilers’ goaltending situation still has one more piece to figure out-Calvin Pickard. Whether he stays as the third goalie or gets moved to a team in need, there’s a decision to be made.
But it’s worth remembering that three-goalie systems have worked before. Scotty Bowman pulled it off in both St.
Louis and Montreal, and those teams turned out just fine. With injuries always a possibility, keeping Pickard around might not be the worst idea.
As for the third line, it’s clicking now-but don’t expect it to look the same come playoff time. Jack Roslovic is making a strong case to lock down the 3C role, and one of the two rookies (Howard or Savoie) might stick.
But Edmonton will likely want a bigger winger on that line when the postseason hits. With several smaller wingers in the pipeline-Savoie, Howard, and Hutson-it’s possible one of them gets moved in a deadline deal.
That’s the kind of depth that gives GM Stan Bowman options, and that’s a good place to be.
Final Thoughts
The Oilers aren’t perfect, but they’re trending in the right direction. The top six is producing, the bottom six is contributing, and the goaltending-finally-looks stable.
Vegas might be pulling away, but Edmonton isn’t going quietly. If they keep this up, they’ll be a tough out come spring.