Edmonton Oilers fans might be feeling a bit anxious right now. The team is sitting third in the Pacific Division, and this upcoming week is critical for securing their postseason positioning.
Here are the key storylines surrounding the team and a look at their upcoming schedule for the week of March 15-22, 2026.
Bouncing Back From a Rough Stretch
The Oilers are looking to shake off two consecutive and frustrating road losses. After a disastrous 7-2 blowout against the Dallas Stars on March 12, they suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday, blowing a 2-0 third-period lead with the game-winner scored with just nine seconds left in OT.
McDavid’s Milestone Watch
Connor McDavid found the back of the net against the Blues, bringing his career total to 398. He is now just two goals away from hitting the 400 career NHL goals milestone, making every game this week a potential history-maker.
Key Absences and the Injury Bug
The roster is currently being tested. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is out for personal reasons, missing the game in St. Louis. Furthermore, Colton Dach was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), Ty Emberson is back in Edmonton for medical evaluation, and Mattias Janmark underwent season-ending surgery. Forward Max Jones was recalled from the American Hockey League (AHL)’s Bakersfield Condors to help fill the gaps.
AHL Trade Deadline Move
Right at the minor-league trade deadline, the Oilers made a prospect swap with the Vancouver Canucks, acquiring 22-year-old forward Josh Bloom in exchange for Jayden Grubbe. Bloom has been assigned to Edmonton’s ECHL affiliate, the Fort Wayne Komets.
Oilers Upcoming Schedule
The outlook for the next seven days is entirely focused on home ice. The Oilers (currently 32-26-9) are kicking off a crucial four-game homestand at Rogers Place. This is a massive opportunity to right the ship, but it won’t be easy. They face Western Conference matchups against the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, followed by a grueling back-to-back test against two Eastern Conference heavyweights: the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EDT) |
| Sunday, March 15 | Nashville Predators | Rogers Place | 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday, March 17 | San Jose Sharks | Rogers Place | 9:00 PM |
| Thursday, March 19 | Florida Panthers | Rogers Place | 9:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 21 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Rogers Place | 10:00 PM |
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