4 Edmonton Oilers who must elevate their game for a deeper Stanley Cup playoff push

The rollercoaster ride of the Edmonton Oilers' season has been nothing short of gripping. From early struggles that tested fans' patience to the exhilarating climb up the standings, the Oilers have kept us on the edge of our seats. As the regular season draws to a close and the playoff push intensifies, the spotlight now shifts to the key players who hold the key to a prolonged postseason journey.

At the onset of the season, the Oilers found themselves languishing at the bottom of the league's standings, a far cry from the expectations placed upon them. However, as the team rallied and found their stride, they showcased their potential to contend among the league's elite. Now, with the playoffs looming, the focus is squarely on securing a coveted playoff berth and, ideally, clinching home-ice advantage for the first round—a crucial factor in their quest for postseason success.

For the Oilers to make a significant impact in the playoffs, they can't solely rely on the brilliance of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While undoubtedly two of the league's most electrifying talents, hockey is a team sport, and success in the playoffs demands contributions from every member of the roster. It's time for the supporting cast to step up and elevate their game to complement the efforts of McDavid and Draisaitl.

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the postseason, the amalgamated endeavors of these designated players, in tandem with the unparalleled brilliance showcased by the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl, are poised to become the cornerstone of their success trajectory. It's incumbent upon every individual within the team to ascend to greater heights, fully embracing the inherent challenges, and relentlessly pursuing the ultimate goal of a protracted and resolute playoff expedition. This pivotal juncture marks the commencement of an arduous yet exhilarating odyssey, wherein the Oilers stand primed to capitalize on the present moment with unwavering determination.

Stop the disappearing act in the playoffs Nuge

As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for another postseason campaign, the spotlight inevitably falls on the performances of key players. Among them, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stands out as a player whose contributions are crucial to the team's success. However, in past playoff runs, Nugent-Hopkins has struggled to make a significant impact, particularly on the scoresheet—a trend that the Oilers need to reverse if they are to make a deep playoff push.

Despite his invaluable contributions during the regular season, Nugent-Hopkins has often found himself on the periphery in postseason play, with his offensive output failing to meet expectations. While his defensive play and versatility have been lauded, his inability to consistently produce points in playoff games has been a source of concern for both fans and management alike.

It's a perplexing conundrum, considering Nugent-Hopkins' undeniable talent and skill set. As a former first overall draft pick and a seasoned veteran of the league, expectations are naturally high for him to elevate his game when it matters most. Yet, for reasons that remain unclear, Nugent-Hopkins has struggled to replicate his regular-season success in the pressure-cooker environment of playoff hockey.

To be fair, hockey is a team sport, and playoff success cannot be attributed to any single player alone. However, in a league where depth scoring and secondary contributions often prove pivotal, Nugent-Hopkins' lack of offensive production becomes a glaring issue. When the Oilers' top stars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are inevitably targeted and neutralized by opposing defenses, the need for secondary scoring becomes even more pronounced.

Additionally, Nugent-Hopkins must adapt his game to the heightened intensity and physicality of playoff hockey. This means being more assertive in driving to the net, creating scoring chances, and capitalizing on opportunities when they present themselves. Whether it's crashing the net for rebounds or unleashing his accurate shot from the slot, Nugent-Hopkins must find ways to make his presence felt in the offensive zone.

Stu must stand his ground

In the high-stakes world of playoff hockey, every player's performance is scrutinized under the microscope of intense pressure. However, one position arguably carries the weight of the team's fortunes more than any other—that of the goaltender. For the Edmonton Oilers, this responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of Stuart Skinner, the sophomore netminder who holds the key to the team's postseason aspirations.

Let's be clear: this is not a critique of Skinner's abilities nor a dismissal of his potential. Rather, it's a sober reminder of the pivotal role he plays in the Oilers' playoff ambitions. Last year's playoff run served as a harsh lesson for Skinner, as he struggled to find his footing and ultimately faltered with a save percentage below .900—a performance that undoubtedly contributed to the team's premature exit from postseason contention.

Fast forward to the present season, and Skinner has emerged as the undisputed number one goaltender for the Oilers. His steady play between the pipes has instilled confidence in his teammates and coaching staff alike, providing a solid foundation for the team's success. However, as the Oilers set their sights on a sustained playoff run, Skinner's performance becomes even more critical.

In the crucible of playoff hockey, where every save can swing the momentum of a game and every goal against can be magnified tenfold, Skinner must be at the top of his game. His ability to weather the storm, make timely saves, and keep his composure under pressure will be paramount to the Oilers' success in the postseason.

But it's not just about making saves—it's about making the right saves at the right time. In a league where goals are often scored in the blink of an eye and games can be decided by the slimmest of margins, Skinner must be a beacon of consistency and reliability for his team. Whether it's a sprawling glove save to rob an opponent of a sure goal or a timely pad stop to preserve a one-goal lead, Skinner's heroics can propel the Oilers to victory.

Make the money be worth Nurse

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the rigors of playoff hockey, the focus naturally falls on the team's offensive firepower and goaltending prowess. However, amidst the spotlight on scoring goals and making game-changing saves, the importance of a solid defensive foundation cannot be overstated. For the Oilers, this means relying on the collective efforts of their blue line, with defenseman Darnell Nurse standing at the forefront.

While the top defensive pairing of Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm has garnered attention for their steady play, the success of the Oilers in the playoffs will depend heavily on the performance of their entire defensive corps. This places added pressure on Darnell Nurse, who not only carries the responsibility of anchoring the blue line but also shoulders the weight of his hefty $9.25 million salary.

Nurse, a cornerstone of the Oilers' defense, is no stranger to high-stakes hockey. With his imposing physical presence, defensive awareness, and ability to chip in offensively, he has established himself as a linchpin of the team's back end. However, as the playoffs loom large, Nurse must elevate his game to new heights and lead by example on the ice.

One area where Nurse's impact will be crucial is in shutting down opposing forwards and limiting scoring opportunities. His physicality and willingness to engage in battles along the boards and in front of the net can disrupt the rhythm of even the most potent offensive units. Additionally, Nurse's ability to read the play and make timely defensive plays will be instrumental in stifling opposing attacks and turning defense into offense.

However, with great responsibility comes great scrutiny, and Nurse's hefty salary only serves to magnify the expectations placed upon him. As one of the highest-paid defensemen on the team, he must deliver consistent performances and justify his salary with impactful play on both ends of the ice.