The Edmonton Oilers lost last night in a meaningless game to the Arizona Coyotes by a score of 5-2. I am not at all surprised by this loss though. The Oilers being cemented in the 2nd spot have nothing left to play for till playoffs start. The Coyotes on the other hand were playing their last game in Arizona before they are being relocated to Salt Lake City this offseason.
Watching this game, you could see that the Coyotes wanted this game way more than the Edmonton Oilers did and the scoreboard reflected that. For the Oilers the rest of the regular season their goal is to stay/get healthy not to win games. That is why I like the fact they gave Nurse and Ceci the night off.
I would expect the Edmonton Oilers to do the same tonight as they finish up their season against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are in the same boat as the Oilers though. They are locked in their spot in the standings and are just looking to stay healthy, so don't expect an exciting game full of superstars as I think most will be sitting out tonight's game.
#Oilers roster moves 🔁
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 17, 2024
🔹Forward Sam Gagner has been recalled from the @Condors.
🔸Forward Adam Erne has also been recalled from Bakersfield. #LetsGoOilers
The Oilers calling up Adam Erne and Sam Gagner is a sign that the Oilers coaching staff are going to be sitting some of the Oilers' top players in tonight's game. Last night they sat out Nurse and Ceci while playing Stecher and Broberg, I would think that tonight it is Ekholm and Bouchard who get to sit and relax.
As for who is going to be sitting out tonight, we still do not know who will not be in or out of the lineup. I think it would involve two of the players in the top 6. I would assume that Hyman would be one of those players resting tonight. He plays a hard game and the Oilers will want to minimize his wear and tear.
Although the Edmonton Oilers are locked into their spot, who they will be playing is still up in the air. It all comes down to the games tonight. Depending on how it all plays out the Oilers will be playing the Vegas Golden Knights or Los Angeles Kings. When we wake up tomorrow the whole playoff picture will be painted and we can start looking forward to meaningful games again.