Wednesday’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center serves as the final regular-season contest for both teams and carries drastically different tones for each side. The Oilers, with a strong 45–28–5 record, enter the game locked into the Western Conference playoffs and aiming to build momentum heading into what they hope will be a long postseason run. Edmonton’s offense remains one of the league’s most feared, powered by captain Connor McDavid, who recently tallied his 70th assist of the season, and supported by top-end talent such as Leon Draisaitl—who is nursing an injury—and Zach Hyman, whose finishing ability continues to complement McDavid’s vision. The Oilers have already taken care of business against the Sharks this season, winning all three previous meetings, most recently a 4–2 victory on April 11 where McDavid recorded four assists in a surgical offensive display. Despite missing key contributors like Draisaitl and defenseman Mattias Ekholm, Edmonton’s depth has stepped up, with players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard playing increased minutes and delivering consistent two-way performances. Goaltender Calvin Pickard has filled in admirably down the stretch, adding stability to a crease that has faced questions in recent years. The team’s special teams are firing at playoff pace, particularly their power play, which continues to rank near the top of the league. On the other side, San Jose comes into the game at 20–48–11, limping to the finish line of a frustrating and injury-ridden campaign.

The Sharks have been outmatched on both ends of the ice for much of the season, struggling with defensive coverage, zone exits, and depth scoring—despite the solid efforts of veterans like Tyler Toffoli and flashes of promise from young players such as Will Smith and Henry Thrun. San Jose’s goaltending, helmed by Georgi Romanov, has faced relentless pressure behind a leaky defensive unit, and the team’s -110 goal differential speaks volumes about their issues. Still, they’ll look to use this final game as a springboard into the offseason, hoping to energize a fan base eager for signs of life and improvement. The Sharks are a heavy underdog, and their 29–44 ATS record reflects how often they’ve fallen short of expectations, particularly against high-octane offenses like Edmonton’s. But with the playoff spotlight looming for the Oilers, there’s always a chance they ease off the throttle, allowing San Jose to play a looser, more creative style of hockey. For Edmonton, the key will be sticking to their structure, managing minutes wisely, and avoiding injuries at all costs while still putting forth the kind of disciplined, confident performance that inspires belief heading into the playoffs. For San Jose, it’s about pride, effort, and giving their home fans a glimpse of the future. While the outcome may seem predictable, the tone and execution from both teams will shape their respective narratives heading into what comes next—be it a chase for the Stanley Cup or a long summer of reflection and rebuilding.