The Edmonton Oilers have been a relatively healthy team the past few seasons. They’ve been lucky and haven’t had significant injuries, especially to key players. But, the injury bug is finally catching up to them. Mattias Ekholm recently returned from a six-game absence, Zach Hyman missed a game on their last road trip, and now they’ve lost their two best players. Leon Draisaitl was injured in the second period during Edmonton’s 7-1 shellacking of the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday (March 18). Then, Connor McDavid didn’t play the third period of the Oilers’ 4-3 overtime loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday (March 20). The next day, both players had imaging done and head coach Kris Knoblauch stated that both players are expected to miss at least a week.
Related: 3 Takeaways From Oilers’ 4-3 Overtime Loss to Jets
This is a tough break for a team in a playoff race, but these injuries give the rest of the forward group a chance to step up, contribute, and build confidence. When they lost their captain, the group didn’t mail it in. They fought and battled hard against the best team in the league, and forced overtime. That was a positive sign, but they need more of it. The forward group has a great opportunity ahead and must seize the moment.
Oilers Found New-Look Line
The Oilers have been seeking a third line that can score, and it looks like they found it. The trio of Vasily Podkolzin, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Viktor Arvidsson have jelled since they were put together three games ago, and all three players look motivated, energized, and rejuvenated. Since the switch, Nugent-Hopkins has six points, Arvidsson has two goals, and Podkolzin has a goal. This is the depth scoring that’s needed.
Unfortunately, the injuries to McDavid and Draisaitl make this trio the top line for now. Nugent-Hopkins hasn’t been a top-line centre since the Dallas Eakins era in 2014, which were dark times for Oil Country. But, the 31-year-old is now a veteran and needs to lead by example. This team is equipped to handle injuries, and it starts with that line.
Jeff Skinner & Adam Henrique Have Something to Prove
This is a golden opportunity for Jeff Skinner and Adam Henrique to make their mark. Skinner has had a rocky season in Edmonton. He has 13 goals and 23 points through 59 games, which is underwhelming for the six-time 30-goal scorer. The 32-year-old has been healthy scratched 10 times, and has played primarily in the bottom six. He was recently elevated to McDavid’s wing and played well in his limited time. Before the captain’s injury, Skinner had two goals against Winnipeg and played a season-high 17:06 minutes of ice time. He won’t have McDavid to play with, but his minutes will increase. This is the opportunity he’s been waiting for, and he needs to make the most of it.
Henrique has also been disappointing. The 35-year-old veteran has eight goals and 17 points through 68 games. The third period against the Jets on Thursday, after McDavid left, was arguably his best period of the season. He was noticeable and was creating chances, which he hadn’t done enough of thus far. He will likely play with two offensively gifted players in Hyman and Skinner, which should hopefully help his production. The Oilers need him to get going down the stretch and into the playoffs, and this new challenge should motivate him.
Oilers Should Recall Matt Savoie
The Oilers should consider giving youngster Matt Savoie another look in the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl. The 21-year-old registered one assist in four games with the big club, averaging 12:31 minutes a game. The kid could use the experience of playing during a playoff push with meaningful minutes to help his development. Plus, the team requires more energy, speed, skill, and youth in the lineup, and Savoie will provide that. He could be the spark plug that’s much-needed.
Oilers Need to See the Big Picture
The organization should be cautious and not rush their superstars back. The team has Stanley Cup aspirations, but a healthy McDavid and Draisaitl are needed. If the team plays well in their absence, the organization should feel comfortable letting them fully recover for the playoffs.
The depth forwards have underperformed this season, but this is their chance to rectify that. It’s never too late to make an impact, so who will step up, and can the Oilers be successful without their two best players? Keep following The Hockey Writers for all your NHL news and rumours as we head down the stretch.
