Sometimes you need a little help crossing the finish line.

The Edmonton Oilers are officially in the dance and have clinched a playoff spot on Saturday night. Despite losing 1-0 to the Los Angeles Kings in the afternoon, the Winnipeg Jets’ defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers means the Oilers get a “x” beside their name in the standings.

This is the sixth straight season the Oilers have made the playoffs, and seventh if you include the qualifier round in the 2020 bubble.

It’s been a topsy-turvy grind of a year, with the Oilers battling inconsistent play and a variety of injuries down the stretch. Despite losing Leon Draisaitl for the rest of the regular season back on March 15, Edmonton found elements of their game, with more focused defensive efforts.

They boast an 8-4-1 record despite missing their second-leading scorer, with a legitimate shot at winning the Pacific Division still in grasp. Edmonton holds the tiebreaker on both the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks heading into the final week of the season, and remain one point up on both despite their loss.

The results of these last games will determine the Oilers’ first-round opponent. If Edmonton wins the division, their first since 1986-87, they’d likely host the Utah Mammoth, the top wildcard team in the Western Conference.

Vegas plays Colorado on Saturday night as of publication time, and if they win, they’d leapfrog Edmonton for first.

The Oilers still have two games remaining in the regular season, which they’ll finish out at home. Edmonton welcomes Colorado to Rogers Place on Monday night before punctuating the 2025-26 regular season against Vancouver on Thursday night.

In the near term, the Oilers hope to get Zach Hyman back into the lineup after missing this three game road trip. Leon Draisaitl’s return to the lineup isn’t precisely known.

Max Jones went down in the first period from injury, after the Oilers lost Jason Dickinson on Wednesday night.

Edmonton hockey fans — think you and your crew know playoff hockey? Prove it at the Nation Playoff Draft Party on Friday, April 17th at the River Cree Resort & Casino. Build your playoff roster, compete against other teams throughout the postseason, and battle for $2,500 cash and Nation bragging rights. Team entry is $1,000 for groups of 8, which includes dinner and your first bevy. The night will be hosted by Ryder & Lisa from The Sauce and Tyler & Liam from ON Everyday, so expect plenty of energy, competition, and chirps. Spots are limited — sign your team up now at nationgear.ca. All proceeds from the event support KidSport Edmonton, helping ensure local kids can stay in the game.