Oilers' Offense Primed for Playoffs Without Draisaitl

Edmonton's depth scoring could shine if star center sits out Game 1 against Ducks

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks, with the players' movements and the game itself broken down into abstract shapes and forms in shades of blue, orange, and black.The Oilers' depth scoring could shine if star center Leon Draisaitl is unable to play in Game 1 against the Ducks.Anaheim Today

The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for their first-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, and the status of star center Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 remains uncertain. However, the Oilers have shown they have plenty of offensive firepower beyond Draisaitl, with six players scoring 20 or more goals in the regular season, led by Connor McDavid's 48 tallies. Players like Jack Roslovic, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard have stepped up, giving the Oilers confidence they can win even if Draisaitl is unavailable for the series opener.

Why it matters

The Oilers' ability to generate offense from multiple sources is crucial, as they face a tough Ducks team that also boasts four 20-goal scorers. Edmonton's depth scoring could be the difference-maker if Draisaitl is unable to play in Game 1, and it showcases the team's overall offensive prowess heading into the playoffs.

The details

Draisaitl has been practicing with the team but has not yet been cleared to play in Game 1. Coach Kris Knoblauch said the team will wait for the doctors to determine if Draisaitl is ready without risk of further injury. In Draisaitl's absence, the Oilers have continued to score, with McDavid leading the way with 48 goals, followed by Draisaitl (35), Hyman (31), Roslovic (21), Bouchard (21), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (20). Roslovic nearly matched his career-high in goals, while Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin also contributed 18 and 19 goals, respectively, in the regular season.

  • Draisaitl has been back skating with the team during practice ahead of the series opener.
  • The Oilers' first-round series against the Ducks begins on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Leon Draisaitl

The Oilers' star center whose status for Game 1 is uncertain due to an injury.

Kris Knoblauch

The Oilers' head coach, who is waiting for the doctors to clear Draisaitl to play without risk of further injury.

Connor McDavid

The Oilers' superstar forward who led the team with 48 goals in the regular season.

Zach Hyman

The Oilers' forward who scored 31 goals in the regular season.

Jack Roslovic

The Oilers' forward who nearly matched his career-high in goals with 21 in his first season with the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's up to the doctors to say that he's ready to play, he's not at risk of damaging something, so we'll wait for that.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Oilers Head Coach

“We'll see how it feels tomorrow, and then, yeah, we'll make a call from there.”

— Leon Draisaitl

“I take a lot of pride in being able to bring in scoring from a top-six forward role, a depth role, just really trying to be a Swiss army knife in the lineup. It's a lot of great talent here, obviously, it goes without saying that it takes everyone to get individual accolades.”

— Jack Roslovic, Oilers Forward

What’s next

The Oilers and Ducks will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Monday, April 21, 2026. The status of Leon Draisaitl for that game will be determined based on medical clearance.

The takeaway

The Oilers have shown they have the depth and scoring balance to win playoff games even if Draisaitl is unavailable, which could be a significant advantage against the high-powered Ducks. Edmonton's ability to generate offense from multiple sources makes them a dangerous team heading into the postseason.