As the 2025-26 NHL season progresses, the Edmonton Oilers are strategically positioned for a deep playoff run, thanks to a schedule that minimizes the taxing "Eastern Road Swing" later in the season. By concluding all Eastern Time Zone road games before January 1, 2026, the Oilers have effectively mitigated the most demanding aspect of the NHL schedule during the season's final stretch.
For a team led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, this scheduling quirk provides a strategic advantage, potentially influencing the team's energy levels as they approach the playoffs. The parity in the modern NHL makes recovery crucial, and the "Eastern Road Swing" is known to negatively impact Western Canadian teams. These trips involve significant time changes, disrupting sleep patterns and causing physical strain due to cross-continent flights.
By completing these eastern games early, the Oilers aim to avoid the fatigue that often sets in during February and March. Sports science indicates that travel-induced fatigue can impair a player's reaction time and cognitive processing, which are critical in the fast-paced game of hockey. Spending the second half of the season primarily in the Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones should allow the Oilers to maintain consistent sleep patterns and a stable biological clock, which in turn helps them to improve on-ice performance.
The Oilers' schedule in October and early November features several winnable games, which the team needs to capitalize on. The team started the season at home against the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, followed by an Eastern Conference road trip where they faced teams like the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators. However, the schedule becomes more challenging from November through January, including another Eastern Conference road trip with games against the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals, as well as matchups against Western Conference rivals like the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.
The Oilers have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. In the 2023-24 season, they had a slow start with a 5-12-1 record, and in 2024-25, they started 2-5-0. A strong start to the 2025-26 season could provide them with momentum and confidence, particularly after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final heartbreaks.
A strong record in the first half of the season would also provide roster flexibility, allowing the coaching staff to rest key players like McDavid and Draisaitl if needed. Developing a comfortable lead in the standings could allow the Oilers to strategically manage their players' ice time and ensure they are fresh for the playoffs.
As of December 18, 2025, the Oilers have a record of 17-12-6 and are third in the NHL Pacific Division. The team's playoff odds are -1100, indicating a high likelihood of making the postseason. The Oilers last made the playoffs in 2025, where they advanced to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Florida Panthers. The team's most recent series win was in 2025, when they eliminated the Los Angeles Kings, Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars. The Oilers' last missed playoff appearance was in 2019.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18, 2026. The tournament will feature 16 teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences, with each series being a best-of-seven format.
