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It’s Desperation Time For The Edmonton Oilers Playoff Hopes

By Warsame A

EDMONTON, AB - MARCH 9: Edmonton Oilers Goalie Anthony Stolarz (32) talking to his defence man in the second period during the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 9, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - MARCH 9: Edmonton Oilers Goalie Anthony Stolarz (32) talking to his defence man in the second period during the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 9, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Edmonton Oilers can’t afford any more setbacks after their latest loss to the Leafs on Saturday. They need to be desperate, moving forward.

Like what the narrative was put out there for the Edmonton Oilers the past month, their last-ditch momentum to earn a wildcard spot has been intriguing, to say the least. Suffering their latest loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t help their cause on Saturday, especially in regulation.

The fact is that they only have a dozen more games to go to try squeaking in that wild-card spot, but it will be tough, that’s for sure. The Oilers might be clicking at the right time, but it honestly feels like they picked the worst part of the season to do it.

I did say before that credit has to interim head coach Ken Hitchcock for what he has instilled in the team. The mental fortitude this team has exuded has been remarkable the past few weeks, and the run they have made has been a treat to watch.

One player who was impressive in the loss against the Leafs on Saturday was netminder Anthony Stolarz. The 25-year-old goalie who was traded from the Flyers for Cam Talbot was surprisingly remarkable in his first start for the Oilers. He somewhat kept the game alive for his team and was poised for the most part.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ken Hitchcock gives him another shot down the road. It could be tonight against the Rangers or if worst case scenario the Oilers are mathematically eliminated from the playoff picture. It would be an excellent time to see how well he fares as a starting netminder.

Also, it will be fascinating to see if the Edmonton Oilers would want to resign him in the offseason. He’ll be a restrictive free agent this summer so he’ll need to be given some sort of an opportunity to showcase his skill set to the Oilers brass.

The next few weeks that are left for the season is a critical time for the Edmonton Oilers. They can’t suffer any more regulation loss or even an overtime one for that matter. If they do eat some defeats, Anthony Stolarz will be the starting netminder for the rest of the year.

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