So far this season, the Edmonton Oilers have had two 3-game winning streaks and one 5-game streak. With a favorable stretch of games ahead, there's a strong possibility that the Oilers could go on another winning streak. Let’s break down the upcoming matchups and see why Edmonton could continue their strong play into the new year.
- December 19, 2024 – Boston Bruins
- December 21, 2024 – San Jose Sharks
- December 22, 2024 – Ottawa Senators
- December 28, 2024 – Los Angeles Kings
- December 29, 2024 – Anaheim Ducks
- December 31, 2024 – Utah Hockey Club
- January 3, 2025 – Anaheim Ducks
- January 4, 2025 – @Seattle Kraken
- January 7, 2025 – @Boston Bruins
- January 9, 2025 – @Pittsburgh Penguins
- January 11, 2025 – @Chicago Blackhawks
- January 13, 2025 – Los Angeles Kings
- January 15, 2025 – @Minnesota Wild
The Oilers are entering a stretch of games where they will face a series of teams that are struggling or underperforming. The first test comes against the Boston Bruins on December 19. While the Bruins are a tough team, the Oilers have the firepower to compete with them, especially if their top players are clicking. This game is important to prove their ability to bounce back after a loss.
Following that, the San Jose Sharks (December 21) and Ottawa Senators (December 22) provide opportunities to rack up points. Both teams have struggled this season and don’t have the same depth as Edmonton. These should be games the Oilers expect to win, provided they don’t underestimate their opponents.
The next few games, with the Oilers on the road against the Los Angeles Kings (December 28) and Anaheim Ducks (December 29), will be tests of their consistency. While the Kings are currently ahead of Edmonton in the standings, their performances have been inconsistent, and the Oilers’ offensive depth should be able to outmatch them. The Ducks, on the other hand, are in full rebuild mode, and Edmonton should be able to handle them with ease.
The Oilers then close out 2024 with a matchup against the Utah Hockey Club on December 31. This game could pose some problems, but just like the Kings on paper the Oilers should be to leave Utah with the full two points.
Starting 2025, the Oilers will face the Anaheim Ducks again (January 3) before heading on a road trip to face the Seattle Kraken (January 4), Boston Bruins (January 7), Pittsburgh Penguins (January 9), and Chicago Blackhawks (January 11). The Ducks are a team Edmonton should beat again, while the road trip presents tougher challenges. The Bruins and Penguins, both strong teams, will require the Oilers to be at their best, but they are winnable games if Edmonton plays to their potential.
Returning home, the Oilers face the Los Angeles Kings once again (January 13). This is a critical game to make sure they continue their streak before heading to Minnesota to face the Wild on January 15. The Wild are one of the Oilers' more challenging opponents, and this will be a good test of their preparedness and ability to handle tough competition.
The Oilers are set up for a favorable run leading into January. With matchups against teams struggling to find their form, Edmonton has the opportunity to build confidence and rack up wins. By the time they face the Minnesota Wild, they could be on another solid winning streak, setting the stage for a strong 2025. If they handle these upcoming games well, the Oilers will have a solid foundation for the more challenging games ahead of that.