The Edmonton Oilers, entering their March 22, 2025, home game against the Seattle Kraken, find themselves in a challenging position despite a strong 40-24-5 record that has positioned them as contenders in the Western Conference. The team has been heavily reliant on the offensive brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have been pivotal in driving the team’s success. McDavid, known for his unparalleled speed and vision on the ice, has been on a remarkable 13-game point streak, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. Draisaitl, with his lethal scoring touch, leads the NHL with 49 goals and has been a constant threat to opposing defenses. However, the Oilers are now faced with the daunting task of competing without their two superstars, as both McDavid and Draisaitl have been ruled out for the upcoming game due to injuries. McDavid suffered a lower-body injury in a recent game against the Winnipeg Jets, and Draisaitl is dealing with an undisclosed injury. The absence of these key players not only impacts the team’s offensive dynamics but also places additional pressure on the supporting cast to step up and fill the void. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman will need to elevate their game and take on greater offensive responsibilities. Nugent-Hopkins, known for his versatility and playmaking abilities, will be expected to lead the charge in creating scoring opportunities. Hyman’s relentless work ethic and net-front presence could be crucial in generating offense in the absence of the team’s top scorers. Defensively, the Oilers have shown improvement this season, with Darnell Nurse anchoring the blue line. Nurse’s physicality and ability to move the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone will be critical as the Oilers try to limit Seattle’s chances and transition quickly into offense despite a thinner lineup. Evan Bouchard’s role will likely expand as well, particularly on special teams, where his booming shot and offensive instincts can help stabilize the power play without McDavid and Draisaitl. The Oilers’ blue line has quietly been one of the more reliable aspects of their game during this stretch, ranking in the top half of the league in limiting high-danger scoring chances and shot quality against, which will be tested again without the luxury of extended puck possession their stars often generate. In net, Edmonton faces even more adversity following a concussion to Stuart Skinner, their workhorse goaltender, which leaves them relying on backup Calvin Pickard or potentially a call-up in this crucial matchup. Pickard has performed admirably in limited action, but the pressure of a full 60-minute effort without the usual offensive cushion will place significant importance on timely saves and rebound control.

The Oilers still boast one of the NHL’s top-ranked power plays, even in the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl, thanks to the structure and puck movement that remains ingrained in their special teams approach—expect Tyson Barrie, Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins to lead the top unit with quick puck cycling and net-front traffic as Edmonton tries to preserve their edge with the man advantage. The penalty kill, which has been average throughout the season, now needs to tighten up and stay out of the box against a Kraken team that has shown it can capitalize when given time and space. Edmonton’s success in this game will likely come down to their ability to manage the puck through the neutral zone, win faceoffs, and maintain their aggressive forecheck without opening themselves up defensively—fundamentals that could help them survive and possibly thrive despite being short-handed. Bruce Cassidy will rely on depth players such as Warren Foegele, Ryan McLeod, and Derek Ryan to provide meaningful minutes and prevent long stretches of defensive zone time that have burned them in previous outings. The Oilers’ home record has been excellent this season, and the atmosphere at Rogers Place remains one of the most energetic in the NHL, which could provide a much-needed emotional lift to a depleted squad looking to stay afloat in the Pacific Division playoff race. While the absence of their two franchise players will be glaring, Edmonton’s ability to adapt, simplify their systems, and get contributions throughout the lineup could allow them to secure a statement win and prove they can overcome adversity—especially against a Kraken team with its own struggles. A strong, collective effort, dependable goaltending, and opportunistic special teams play could be enough to carry the Oilers through one of their most challenging regular season tests, as they look to show the resilience and identity of a true contender even without the services of two of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.