After an extended break since their last game on Saturday, the Edmonton Oilers are finally set to return to the ice tomorrow. They’ll face the Utah Hockey Club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, in what will be the Oilers’ first visit to Utah since the franchise’s relocation. The game is not only a chance to get back in the win column but also an opportunity to make strides in key areas that have plagued them this season.
Powerplay Struggles Continue
The Oilers’ powerplay, once the envy of the league, has been uncharacteristically ineffective this season. Through 22 games, Edmonton has managed just nine powerplay goals, ranking near the bottom of the NHL in this category. Only the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders have fewer powerplay goals, each sitting at eight.
This dramatic drop in production is a significant reason why the Oilers have struggled to consistently assert themselves as a dominant team. The break between games likely provided valuable time for the team to address their powerplay issues. Whether it's fine-tuning zone entries, improving puck movement, or creating higher-quality scoring chances, Edmonton must rediscover their rhythm with the man advantage. If they hope to compete against elite teams like Colorado and Vegas later in the road trip, this part of their game needs to improve drastically.
Injury Concerns Persist
Unfortunately for Edmonton, they won’t be heading into Utah at full strength. Zach Hyman and Viktor Arvidsson are both expected to remain out of the lineup for the coming weekend. On the bright side, the extended break has meant fewer missed games for these key forwards, though their continued absence leaves a significant hole in the lineup.
Hyman’s ability to drive the play and create chances in high-danger areas is sorely missed, while Arvidsson’s speed and scoring touch could have provided a spark to the struggling offense. The Oilers can only hope both players return to action soon, especially with a grueling stretch of games ahead.
A Crucial Stretch
Tomorrow’s matchup against the Utah Hockey Club kicks off a challenging road trip for the Oilers. After facing Utah, they head to Denver for a clash with the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, followed by a showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. The Oilers will then return to Rogers Place to host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This road trip will be a true test for Edmonton, as both Colorado and Vegas are among the top teams in the Western Conference. Securing points in these games will require the Oilers to execute at a higher level than they have for much of the season.
As the Oilers take to the ice tomorrow, fans will be watching closely to see if the extended break has helped the team address their issues. With the season nearing its midpoint, now is the time for Edmonton to build momentum and prove they can compete with the league’s best.