With less than four weeks to go until the start date of the NHL playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers will play the heaviest schedule in the league for the rest of the year. They have the least games played across the NHL with only 69, where most teams are near 72.
The Oilers will play a feel week of 5 games in the final 7 days of the season, which could really wear them out heading into into the playoffs. With this tough schedule, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Oilers sit some star players, even including McDavid and Draisaitl, to allow them at least a normal week before the playoffs - not extra work. This Canucks fan above is licking their chops thinking the Oilers may be tired heading into round one.
Unless the players are adamant to stick in the lineup to chase some personal accomplishments, the Oilers need to rotate many of their players in and out of the lineup to not have them tired in the first round. Considering that Hyman's already got 50 goals, McDavid will reach 100 assists easily, and the last two games are on the road - it's very likely we'll see Knoblauch rest the team.
POLL | ||
Will McDavid and Draisaitl sit in the last two games as rest? | ||
Yes, they'll need the time off | 184 | 32.4 % |
No, play every game and stay ready | 342 | 60.2 % |
See Results | 42 | 7.4 % |
List of polls |