The Edmonton Oilers look to keep the ball rolling as they face the NHL's worst team tonight. The San Jose Sharks are a team that are at the low point of their rebuild and it shows in their on-ice product. In the Sharks 74 games so far this season they have only won 20 games. The Sharks are only one of four teams that are currently officially eliminated from the playoffs. Tonight's game should be an easy win for the Oilers, even though they are short handed.
On Tuesday the Oilers came out and were able to grind out a win against the Vegas Golden Knights if they play like that again tonight this should be an easy 2 points for the Oilers. The problem that could arise for the Oilers is that they could come into this game thinking it is a guaranteed win, but with this Sharks team while they may not be that skilled, but they have a lot of players that showcasing themselves for next season, whether it be for the Sharks or another team.
If the Oilers play this game as a must win game, which if they want to pass the LA Kings in the standings it is, then I think the Oilers should be able to handle the Sharks with ease. Unfortunately, every Oilers fan has seen this team lose to a team that they should have beat. Hopefully, tonight that is not the case.
Edmonton Oilers Lines
EDM lines & pairings - Wednesday’s practice:
— Tony Brar 🚀 (@TonyBrarOTV) April 2, 2025
Podkolzin - Draisaitl - Arvidsson
Hyman - RNH - Kapanen
Skinner - Janmark - Brown
Jones - Henrique - Perry
(Kane - McDavid - Frederic)
Walman - Bouchard
Nurse - Stecher
Kulak - Emberson
Pickard
Rodrigue#Oilers
One thing to note on these lines is the three players in brackets at the bottom. While we know Kane will not be back till the playoffs it is a good sign to see both McDavid and Frederic skating in a full team practice. Knoblauch did note that there is a chance Frederic could make his Oilers debut on this current road trip.
Calvin Pickard gets the start
With Skinner staying in Edmonton following his injury, Calvin Pickard will be getting the start again tonight. If there was ever a game to get Olivier Rodrigue a start while Skinner is out, I thought it would have been tonight, playing the league's worst time is the perfect time to get Rodrigue so easy NHL action. I see why Knoblauch went with Pickard, but giving Rodrigue a chance would have been nice to see.
Next. NHL 2025 Playoffs 1st round predictions including the Oilers. NHL 2025 Playoffs 1st round predictions including the Oilers. dark
While tonight is not a must win game it is a should win game. The Oilers, even though they are missing some top players, should be able to handle the basement dwelling San Jose Sharks. If the Oilers are unable to get the 2 points it will be a lost opportunity to potentially gain some ground on the Los Angeles Kings who are also in action tonight against the Utah Hockey Club.
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