The Edmonton Oilers are in a great spot right now. Everything seems to be falling into place at just the right time and a combination of favorable matchups and returning talent has created a window the team appears ready to exploit.
If they take advantage of their upcoming games and stay healthy, the team could pull away from the pack and set themselves up for a serious playoff run.
Home-heavy stretch presents opportunity for Oilers
January has presented Edmonton with a golden opportunity rarely seen during an NHL regular season. The month's opening stretch featured 11 home contests out of 15 total games with the majority of opponents trailing them in league standings.
Only three teams in Philadelphia, the New York Islanders and Minnesota entered Rogers Place sitting higher in the playoff race.
This advantageous slate hasn't gone unnoticed within the locker room. McDavid has repeatedly highlighted how critical this stretch is for winning the division. Oilers analyst Jason Gregor pointed out the importance of this period noting that the team needs to handle their business if they want to reach the postseason and beyond.
Through the month's first six contests Edmonton has compiled a 3-1-2 record maintaining pace in what's becoming a fierce battle for Pacific Division leadership. Currently deadlocked with Vegas at the summit, the Oilers hold 54 points across 47 games with a 23-16-8 record.
Roster returns arrive as Edmonton finds its stride
The Oilers captain has elevated his game to extraordinary heights during a blistering 20-game stretch that has vaulted him to the league's statistical peak. Connor McDavid's individual excellence has also provided the offensive firepower needed to navigate the season's challenges while key personnel recovered from injury.
Both Jake Walman and Tristan Jarry were activated after extended absences last Friday injecting fresh energy and depth into a lineup that had been managing without them.
Walman, sidelined since late November, wasted no time reintegrating himself. The 29-year-old blueliner dominated puck possession during his shifts posting a 57.69 corsi-for percentage that demonstrated his ability to control play and generate zone time, exactly what Edmonton's defensive corps needed.
Perhaps more crucial was the return of netminder Jarry who had been recovering from a lower-body issue since mid-December. The 30-year-old goalkeeper proved instrumental in securing a standings point against the Predators delivering several momentum-saving stops despite one mishandled puck that led to a goal against. His performance clearly showed that the rust of injury hadn't diminished his ability to steal games.
The roster moves necessitated placing Adam Henrique on long-term injured reserve but the additions bring Edmonton closer to full strength at precisely the right moment.
With a friendly schedule continuing through January's remainder and key players now back in the fold, the Oilers possess all the ingredients needed for an extended surge. The challenge now shifts from potential to execution in converting opportunity into tangible results that could define their season's trajectory.
If they can maintain their current form and capitalize on upcoming matchups against teams below them in the standings, Edmonton could create meaningful separation atop the Pacific Division before the season's critical final months arrive.