Breaking Down the Oilers' Chances of Finishing First in the Pacific Division

Edmonton is in a tight race with three other teams for the top spot in the Pacific Division with just four days left in the NHL season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game or match, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the official team colors of the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings.The tight Pacific Division race has created a complex, multi-faceted playoff picture that has Oilers fans on the edge of their seats in the final days of the NHL season.Los Angeles Today

The Edmonton Oilers are currently tied for second place in the Pacific Division with the Anaheim Ducks, one point behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights. With two games remaining, the Oilers have a chance to finish first in the division for the first time in 39 years, but they don't control their own destiny. The article breaks down the various scenarios that could play out over the final four days of the season and how the Oilers can clinch the division title.

Why it matters

The Oilers have not finished first in their division since the 1986-87 season, so this would be a significant accomplishment for the franchise and its fans. Finishing first would also secure home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs, which could give the Oilers an edge as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Oilers are currently tied with the Anaheim Ducks for second place in the Pacific Division with 90 points, one point behind the division-leading Vegas Golden Knights and two points ahead of the fourth-place Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers have two games remaining, both at home against the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks. The Golden Knights also have two games left, hosting the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken, while the Ducks have a two-game road trip against the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators. The Kings have the easiest remaining schedule, with three road games against the Kraken, Canucks, and Calgary Flames.

  • The 2025-26 NHL season has just four days remaining, with the final games being played on Thursday, April 16.
  • The Oilers play their final two games on Monday, April 13 against the Avalanche and Thursday, April 16 against the Canucks.
  • The Golden Knights play their final two games on Monday, April 13 against the Jets and Wednesday, April 15 against the Kraken.
  • The Ducks play their final two games on Tuesday, April 14 against the Wild and Thursday, April 16 against the Predators.
  • The Kings play their final three games on Monday, April 13 against the Kraken, Tuesday, April 14 against the Canucks, and Thursday, April 16 against the Flames.

The players

Edmonton Oilers

An NHL team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada that plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Vegas Golden Knights

An NHL expansion team based in Paradise, Nevada that began play in the 2017-18 season and plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Anaheim Ducks

An NHL team based in Anaheim, California that plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Kings

An NHL team based in Los Angeles, California that plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Connor McDavid

The captain and star player of the Edmonton Oilers, widely considered one of the best players in the NHL.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Oilers, Golden Knights, and Kings all play on Monday, April 13. Any combination of two points gained by Vegas and lost by Los Angeles will eliminate the Kings from contention for first place in the Pacific Division. The Oilers can move into first place with a win and a Vegas loss.

The takeaway

The Oilers have a real chance to win their first division title in nearly four decades, but they don't control their own destiny. Their fate will depend on the results of the other contending teams over the final four days of the regular season. Securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs is the minimum goal, but the Oilers are hoping to pull off the division title for the first time since the 1980s.