The age old question that fans in Edmonton have sadly had to ask around this time of year; what is more important? Is it better for the team to finish strong, give the fans something small to celebrate, and help management view who should be kept going into the off-season? Is it better for the team to lose a large number of games going down the stretch and improve their draft position?
The players will not tank, least of all Connor McDavid, and will be focused on trying to win as many games as possible through their last 6. From the fan perspective, what would you prefer?
Edmonton currently sits 23rd overall in the standings and by my estimate could realistically fall as low as 27th through the remaining six games. Drafting a player like Kirby Dach or Dylan Cozen could be better for the long-term success of this franchise.
Fans however are sick of watching losing games, as are the players that step onto the ice every night. Focus on winning a few games, and accept that regardless of where Edmonton finishes in the standings they are probably going to win the lottery anyways.
LINEUP
OILERS
Draisaitl – McDavid – Kassian Lucic – Nuge – Chiasson Gambardella – Brodziak – Currie Rieder – Cave – Gagner
Klefbom – Larsson Nurse – Russell Sekera – Benning
Koskinen
KINGS
Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown Grundstrom-Kempe-Toffoli Clifford-Carter-Lewis Wagner-Brodzinski-Macdermid
Forbort-Doughty Martinez-Roy Walker-Phaneuf
Quick
3 KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Depleted. That is the case with the LA Kings. They played in Calgary last night and beat the Flames to the tune of 3-0 so they won't be coming in as hungry as if they got spanked. The Kings lineup is full of more holes than the Oilers, most notably on defense with the lack of a Jake Muzzin patrolling the bluleline. 2) PK Failing Again. The Oilers PK has been getting atrocious as of late, a large part of that due to the recent struggles of Mikko Koskinen. A poor penalty killing unit cost the Oilers against the Senators a few nights prior. Adding more capable bottom six forwards for the PK is on the list for the summer.
3) Win at Home. The Oilers are on a 5 game homestand right now. This should have been a great opportunity for the team to rest and cash some points on the way to a playoff run, but instead they find themselves hopelessly out. Edmonton is 3-3 at home in their last 6 games. Win one at home.