The Edmonton Oilers are a team that is currently on the top of the Pacific Division with 72 points. They have played 55 games, out of which they have won 34, lost 17, and had 4 overtime losses. And as of recent, Connor McDavid’s team lost a heartbreaking game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Place, 4-5 in a dramatic fashion.
After this match, their next game will be after the 4 Nations Face-off break, and the team has a big time with them to be determined on a certain goal for the rest of the season. Which is? Obviously, the team’s goal is to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs and potentially secure the trophy after a prolonged drought. However, while heading into this break, a certain NHL report has something to say to the team.
Mark Spector has been a leading voice in the sport for a long time, and as a senior columnist for Sportsnet, he shared his thoughts on the Oilers on his X profile, stating, “The Oilers looked more like a team that needs a rest, than one that’s going to make a long playoff run. But overall, the first 55 games have been a success. ‘This break comes at a good time.’”
Currently, the NHL season has been really dramatic. And Spector understands the magnitude of these 55 games, where the Oilers have secured 34 wins. He is happy with the team’s performance, even if they have just lost their most recent game against the Avs. Most importantly, the senior columnist pointed out that the team needs this break.
Indeed, breaks do not come often in the NHL. Even though some players may be involved in their international duties, the 4 Nations Face-off still serves as a break for the league. A refresher is always important, even if it’s the ice hockey stars, and Spector noted that the Oilers’ players needed this the most out of every other team in the NHL. And the reason?
For any fan that looks at the standings, they might not be that concerned about the Edmonton Oilers, as they are on the top of the Pacific Division. But it’s the NHL, and there are a lot more games before the playoffs, which can change the team’s course entirely if a string of defeats arises. They surely have 72 points right now, but considering that in their division they have teams like the Vegas Golden Knights (70 points), the Los Angeles Kings (64 points), and even the Vancouver Canucks (61 points), in the rest of the season, they have to give them all to overcome any challenges that will come from these teams.
The Oilers looked more like a team that needs a rest, than one that’s going to make a long playoff run.
But overall, the first 55 games have been a success. “This break comes at a good time.” https://t.co/RGtdS6YR8h
— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) February 8, 2025
There is a long time before the next game of the Oilers. And with whom do they have it? The team from Edmonton will be facing the Philadelphia Flyers on February 22 at the Wells Fargo Center. However, the Oilers will also be having players playing in the 4 Nations Face-off, like Connor McDavid, as the captain will be the alternate captain for Team Canada. But recently, there have been concerns around the team, owing to the rumors looming that a major player might miss out on the chance to play in the international event.
The current concern might turn into a new opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers’ captain
So what happened that has got the whole NHL community, especially the fans of Team Canada, concerned? Sidney Crosby, who is set to be the captain of the team at the 4 Nations Face-off, might have a chance to miss out on these games, owing to an upper-body injury that he got into while playing against the New Jersey Devils. This has also made him miss out on the recent game of the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was against the New York Rangers.
Crosby missing out on a game is surely a big deal, as the Penguins are struggling this season, currently standing at 7th in the Metropolitan Division. But who gave information about the Penguins’ captain’s chances of missing out on the international event? It was NHL insider Frank Seravalli who shared this crucial message, stating, “Team Canada is cautiously optimistic, I would say, that the captain will be in the lineup six days from now when the puck drops on the four nations between Team Canada and Sweden in Montreal.”
Seravalli continued, unveiling vital information, stating, “The belief is that this is a left wrist injury and a bit of a mixed bag for Crosby on Thursday, as he did skate but did not do much shooting as he was on his own on a separate ice sheet from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was receiving passes and seemed to be skating just fine, but after getting crunched, it’s important to keep in mind that left wrist. In September 2021, he had surgery and had some plates inserted.” As per the NHL insider, Crosby was present during the practice sessions, but as time went by, it was confirmed that he was out of the Penguins’ main roster.
For now, Crosby’s future may remain uncertain, but this will only present an opportunity for Connor McDavid. Indeed, he’s the alternate captain for Team Canada alongside Avs’ Cale Makar. However, owing to him leading the Edmonton Oilers, if the Penguins’ captain doesn’t make it on time, they might have to give McDavid the big responsibility. Only time will tell what will be the fate of Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-off.
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