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Edmonton Oilers Have An Early Season Must Win Game

By Devon Hladunewich

Apr 13, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) stands in front of San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer (47) as Sharks centre Jacob Peterson (24) looks on during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) stands in front of San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer (47) as Sharks centre Jacob Peterson (24) looks on during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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We know how bad of a start the Edmonton Oilers are doing so far this season. That means every game from this point on has some extra weight added to it. That is especially important in tonight’s game vs the San Jose Sharks.

The Edmonton Oilers are 31st in the league and the Sharks are 32nd. This means if there was ever a game the Edmonton Oilers could start to turn the season around it is tonight. Unfortunately for the Oilers, it is a double-edged sword.

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If they win this game the players can exhale a bit as they can start to turn the season around. However, if they lose, it is only going to make the pressure against them much more. I would also expect the coaching staff to feel the same way.

I am personally not super worried about the Edmonton Oilers not making the playoffs right now, but a loss tonight would likely change that. As it sits right now the Oilers are 8 points out of the 2nd wildcard spot. After the assumed win tonight that would put them 6 back.

There are a lot of teams in between them and that spot, but 6 points to make up over a long season is not that bad. Winning the division on the other hand I think is already out of reach. The Vegas Golden Knight are off to a stellar start and are 18 points ahead of the Oilers. This gap is very unlikely to be closed.

That doesn’t mean the end of the world for the Edmonton Oilers though cause anything can happen in the playoffs, they just need to get in. To get in they need to start winning games and get a winning streak going. I think that will start tonight as they face the league-worst San Jose Sharks.

Next. Oilers reported interest in Jordan Binnington is a reach. dark

It looks like Stuart Skinner will be getting the start tonight. The fact that Jack Campbell has been sent down shows that there is very little confidence between the pipes from the coaches and management. If Skinner stumbles tonight I would expect there to be an even bigger move made to improve that spot.

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