The Edmonton Oilers return to Rogers Place on April 9, 2025, to host the St. Louis Blues in a game that carries weight not only in the standings but in tone-setting for the final stretch of the regular season, as they aim to secure favorable playoff seeding and build momentum heading into the postseason. With a 36-22-4 record, the Oilers have established themselves as a top-tier offensive force in the NHL, powered by their marquee duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to dazzle with elite production and unmatched synergy. Draisaitl leads the team with 52 goals and 54 assists, tallying 106 points and asserting his presence in all situations, while McDavid remains the engine of the team’s transition game, creating mismatches with his speed and surgical passing. Edmonton averages 3.27 goals per game, ranking among the league’s best, and their power play operates at a lethal 25.97%, punishing opponents who fail to stay disciplined. While their offense draws most of the headlines, the Oilers have also improved their defensive play in recent weeks, though they still allow 2.92 goals per game—indicative of occasional breakdowns and issues with clearing rebounds or protecting the slot. The penalty kill, sitting at 76.57%, remains a focal point of improvement, particularly in close games where a single special teams lapse can tilt the outcome. At home, the Oilers own a strong 19-11-2 record, but they’ve struggled against the spread in recent weeks, failing to cover in five straight games at Rogers Place despite some wins on the scoreboard. Their challenge against St. Louis will be maintaining defensive discipline and avoiding the kind of mental lapses that allow a lower-scoring team like the Blues to hang around into the third period.

Goaltending duties have largely rotated between Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, with Skinner expected to start in this matchup; his recent play has been steady, though he’ll need to control rebounds and handle St. Louis’ top threats like Jordan Kyrou, who has the speed to exploit open lanes. Edmonton’s depth scoring remains an underrated weapon, with players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard all capable of stepping up on any given night, helping prevent the offense from becoming overly reliant on their two stars. Head coach Kris Knoblauch has emphasized managing the puck through the neutral zone and limiting turnovers, especially against teams like the Blues that look to capitalize on mistakes and score in transition. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Oilers know the importance of sharpening their details and delivering complete 60-minute performances, and this game offers the perfect environment to build habits against a hungry but outmatched opponent. If Edmonton plays to its strengths—controlling possession, winning faceoffs, executing their set plays on the power play, and maintaining aggressive puck pursuit—they should be able to overwhelm St. Louis with pace and precision. Still, they’ll need to remain mentally engaged throughout, as the Blues, despite their flaws, have shown a willingness to grind and can be dangerous if allowed to keep the score tight into the final period. For Edmonton, this is a chance to make a statement—not just in the standings, but in setting the tone for a deep playoff run.