To nobody’s surprise, the Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and are hoping that the third time will be the charm for them in 2026.
The Oilers are the two-time defending Western Conference champions, but saw their dreams of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton for what would have been the first time since 1990 were dashed both times by the Florida Panthers. This time, the Oilers won’t have to go through the Panthers, who were completely decimated by injuries this season and ultimately fell short of the playoffs.
Speaking of injuries, the Oilers suffered a significant one weeks ago when star forward Leon Draisaitl was hurt and declared finished for the remainder of the regular season. While they were unable to give a clear projection on whether he’d be ready for the beginning of the postseason, it appears as though Oilers fans now have their answer.
The Edmonton Oilers Appear Ready To Welcome Back Leon Draisaitl For Game 1
Based on the line combinations that the Oilers practiced with on Sunday in preparation for Game 1 on Monday evening against the visiting Anaheim Ducks, it appears as though Draisaitl will be ready to go.
The Oilers skated with the following combinations:
Matthew Savoie – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman
Vasily Podkolzin – Leon Draisaitl – Kasperi Kapanen
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jason Dickinson – Jack Roslovic
Colton Dach – Adam Henrique – Trent Frederic
Mattias Ekholm – Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse – Connor Murphy
Jake Walman – Ty Emberson
Draisaitl, who was hurt on March 15 against the Nashville Predators, said that he’s feeling better.
“I feel good, we’ll see how it feels tomorrow and then we’ll make a call from there,” he said. “It’s been good. Our staff, mainly (strength and conditioning coach Chad Drummond and assistant athletic therapist Chris Davie), they’ve done an amazing job being patient with me and looking at everything that there is to look at. So, I’m very grateful for those two and everyone else that was involved with it.
“It’s a lot of lonely times when you’re hurt; guys are on the road, you’re kind of grinding by yourself. I’m happy where it’s at right now, we’ll see how it evolves, and we’ll see how I feel tomorrow.”
Draisaitl managed 35 goals with 62 assists in the 65 games he played in this season.
The Oilers Are Excited For The Playoffs
For the first time since 2022, the Oilers will not face the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the postseason, but instead face another team from Southern California, the Anaheim Ducks, marking their first postseason matchup in 20 years.
“It just provides excitement. Some adrenaline for the players,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “Whether it’s in the building on game days or driving to the game, just seeing the excitement in the city, everyone cheering everybody on, it’s important.
“For the people in the city to have a successful hockey team, somebody to root for, but it’s also exciting for the players to know that they’re supported and the city’s getting excited about their success.”
Game 1 of the series will begin on Monday evening from Rogers Place in downtown Edmonton.
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