Can the Edmonton Oilers Hang on Without Draisaitl?
Although last night didn’t exactly go the Edmonton Oilers’ way, it was an anomaly. The Florida Panthers came in and took home a 4-0 win, and that stings a little. But if you’re looking at the bigger picture, Edmonton’s season has actually been settling down. They’re starting to look like a team that knows what it wants to do, even without Leon Draisaitl.
Losing their second-best player hurts the Oilers, but it isn't a disaster.
Speaking of Draisaitl, losing a guy with 97 points in 65 games is huge. But Edmonton has adjusted. They’ve leaned into defence more, and they picked up some pieces at the trade deadline: Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Colton Dach have helped. They’re starting to feel a little steadier at the back. The Oilers aren’t just hoping McDavid can carry the load anymore; the team’s learning to survive and even thrive without him night-to-night.
Ingram has become something of a hero for the Oilers.
Connor Ingram has been the quiet hero here. He’s stepped in, nine games in, and he’s 5-2-1 with a 2.77 goals-against average. While that’s not spectacular, it is solid. He’s giving the team a chance to win each night, which is huge when you’re trying to claw your way toward the playoffs with the conference as tight as it is.
Offensively, the focus has shifted a bit. It’s not all about one superstar lighting the lamp. Depth players are starting to chip in, scoring timely goals, keeping the momentum alive. And McDavid is still there carrying a heavy share, but he’s got support now in a way he didn’t a few weeks back.
So what are the Oilers’ chances of making the postseason?
So, where does this leave Edmonton? Honestly, the playoffs are still very much on the table, but they’re going to have to earn it. Every game feels like a playoff game at this point, and the margin for error is tiny. Keep the defence tight, let Ingram make the saves, and don’t fall behind early—and suddenly, that post-Olympic groove could carry them into the postseason.
The bottom line is that this isn’t the smoothest, prettiest run you’ll ever see. And, no question, losing Draisaitl hurts. But the Oilers are adjusting, grinding, and showing some resilience. If they keep it up, they’re still a team to watch in April—and if Draisaitl returns healthy for the playoffs, watch out.