Oilers' Playoff Struggles: Fatigue and Goaltending

0:00It's March 17th, here's your NHL news in two minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. The Edmonton Oilers headed into the 2025-26 season with big hopes after reaching the Stanley Cup final two years in a row. They wanted to finally win it all, with stars like Connor McDavid leading the way, but things have not gone as planned. Through 68 games, the Oilers sit at 33 wins, 26 losses, and 9 overtime losses. That puts them third in the Pacific Division, just four points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings, who are fighting for a wildcard spot. They look more like a bubble playoff team than a top contender right now. Fans and experts see the toll from all that recent hockey. The team has played 75 playoff games over the past four years, with deep runs most seasons. Short off seasons, plus extra games from McDavid and others in international tournaments have led to fatigue. The four to Panthers, who also went deep last year, are struggling too, and might miss

1:00the playoffs. The core group remains the same, including McDavid, Leon Drozidol, Matayez Ekholm, Zach Hyman, Ryan Newgen Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. But the switch to Goli's Tristan Jerry and Connor Ingram from Stewart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has not helped. Many think that was a step back in net. An early playoff exit could actually benefit the Oilers. More rest would recharge the roster, setting them up stronger for next season if they fix the gold tending. It might not feel like a win now, but it could pay off down the road. Quick thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.