Edmonton Oilers can officially clinch playoff spot with this scenario

So as long as the Oilers can push tonight's game to overtime, it will be their berth to the playoffs. As a team with aspirations to win the Stanley Cup, clinching a playoff spot early can really help with preparation for a long playoff run. Also, it's nice to have the clinching scenario entirely in the hands of the team instead of having to rely on another to lose.

With their ticket to playoffs officially punched, the last focus for this season will be maintaining home ice advantage. The Oilers home rink can be one of the toughest to play in, both for travel on the other team and the fans, which makes Rogers Place a hostile environment in the playoffs. The Oilers currently sit 3 points above Vegas with one game in hand, so as long as they don't fall off a cliff, home ice should be secure.

The Oilers will play a gauntlet of games in the last week of the season however, an intense 5 games in 7 days. With two back to back games and the season ending in a road trip, it's likely that coach Knoblauch pulls out several Oilers stars to be rested during the last week.

The NHL playoffs are set to begin on April 20th. Gear up Oilers fans!