Before the Edmonton Oilers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, holding, interference, and obstruction were temporarily suspended from the rulebook.

I kid (sort of), but the 1-0 loss to the Kings was not a well-played, structured and skill-based type of shutout. It was a sludgefest, with few whistles and just a handful of scoring chances. One power play for each team, while several more could and should’ve been handed out.

If it’s any indication of how the playoffs will be officiated, it could be a sight for sore eyes.

After the Oilers scored ten goals to begin the road trip, they finished the road trip with the same number, but two consecutive strong defensive showings after a loose affair in Utah on Tuesday.

The loss hurt their Pacific Division chances, with Vegas seizing first after a victory against the Colorado Avalanche, and Anaheim heavy favourites against Vancouver on Sunday evening.

Yet, a playoff berth is officially clinched.

But how about a little health? Edmonton’s ability to make puck plays was challenged on Saturday, the third straight without Zach Hyman. The road trip saw Jason Dickinson struck with a puck and Max Jones go down hobbled.

The Oilers’ injuries aren’t to the Dallas Stars’ level, but they aren’t nothing. This time next week, Oilers fans hope to see Leon Draisaitl, but there’s no guarantee he’ll look like himself if he does play. Hyman’s issues are hoped to be precautionary.

Isaac Howard earned a call-up, boasting 48 points in 45 games this season with the Bakersfield Condors.

The depth is being challenged, but it’s important to remind yourself that with where this team’s goals were to begin the season, they’ve gotten through the long and arduous road of the regular season late.

That doesn’t excuse how flawed the season has been, but all is forgotten with playoff success. When the puck drops for Game 1, everyone sits at 0-0. There is a style of game the Oilers have developed lately that is conducive to winning playoff rounds.

Walking the tightrope begins shortly…

This week: 

Oilers buck Thanksgiving indicator

American Thanksgiving is seen as a significant benchmark of the season. Roughly a quarter of the way through the campaign, most teams that are in a playoff spot at that time finish in the post-season, usually with just a couple of differences.

Was it as predicative this year, or is it just hockey cliché?

In the Western Conference, the changes aren’t dramatic from what the standings were on Nov. 27, 2025.

You’ll notice those Edmonton Oilers two points out of the last wildcard spot at the time, fresh off of a gruelling seven-game road trip, and a brutal shellacking at the hands of the Dallas Stars.

With that said, Seattle seemed like a paper tiger, and many teams were set to collapse. Vancouver........

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