Oilers Fall in Shootout to Avalanche, Playoff Positioning at Stake

Edmonton's offensive struggles without Draisaitl and Hyman continue as they lose ground in Pacific Division race

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic motion and energy of a hockey game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of color and abstraction.The Oilers' shootout struggles and offensive woes without key players expose the team's precarious playoff positioning.Los Angeles Today

The Edmonton Oilers lost to the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a shootout on Monday night at Rogers Place. The game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, but Colorado outscored Edmonton 3-2 in the shootout to secure the extra point. The Oilers have now lost six consecutive shootouts dating back to December 2023, and their offensive woes without injured stars Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman continued as they were held to just one goal in regulation.

Why it matters

The Oilers' shootout loss, combined with a Vegas Golden Knights win, has put Edmonton's hopes of finishing atop the Pacific Division in jeopardy. The Oilers no longer control their own destiny for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and they could even fall all the way to the second wild card spot depending on the results of their final game and the other teams around them in the standings.

The details

Both goals in regulation came in the second period, with Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski each scoring. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of overtime, but Colorado prevailed 3-2 in the shootout. Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram made 30 saves in regulation and overtime, but was unable to stop the Avalanche in the shootout. Edmonton's offensive struggles without Draisaitl and Hyman were evident, as they were held to just one goal in regulation despite having an 84-second 5-on-3 power play in the third period.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
  • The Oilers have now lost six consecutive shootouts dating back to December 30, 2023.
  • Edmonton's final regular season game is on Thursday, April 16, 2026 against the Vancouver Canucks.

The players

Connor McDavid

The captain of the Edmonton Oilers, who scored the team's lone goal in regulation.

Sam Malinski

A defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Connor Ingram

The goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, who made 30 saves in regulation and overtime but was unable to stop the Avalanche in the shootout.

Scott Wedgewood

The goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche, who made 30 saves in regulation and overtime and stopped two of three shootout attempts.

Leon Draisaitl

The injured center for the Edmonton Oilers, who has been out since March 15 with a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't capitalize. It's frustrating, but we have to keep pushing forward.”

— Connor McDavid, Captain, Edmonton Oilers

What’s next

The Oilers' playoff positioning will come down to the final games of the regular season. They need Vegas to lose in regulation to Seattle on Wednesday, Anaheim to lose at least one of their final two games, and for the Oilers to beat Vancouver on Thursday. Anything less could see Edmonton drop to the second wild card spot and a first-round matchup with Colorado.

The takeaway

The Oilers' inability to win in the shootout and their offensive struggles without Draisaitl and Hyman have put their hopes of securing home-ice advantage in the playoffs in jeopardy. Edmonton will need to regroup quickly and get healthy if they want to make a deep postseason run.