The Edmonton Oilers went 4-4 over a homestand that could’ve pushed them into first place in the Pacific Division. Instead, they got smoked 5-2 by the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Place last night. Now they’re heading to the Saddledome for one more game before the Olympic break.

Winning in Calgary won’t erase the frustration of that homestand. But it’ll be something.

More importantly, it’s a chance for the Oilers to go into the break on a high note. To play the exact kind of game they claim they need to — effectively killing penalties, playing smart defensive hockey, back-checking, limiting high-danger chances — so they actually know it’s possible. Because right now, it feels theoretical.

The Oilers talk about playing the right way. They know what it looks like. Head coach Kris Knoblauch preaches it. The players say the right things in interviews. But doing it consistently? That’s been the problem all season. They’ll have stretches where everything clicks, then they’ll fall apart for three games and give up goals in bunches.

Tonight’s a chance to prove they can execute when it matters. Calgary’s one of the last-ranked teams in the league. The Oilers should be able to impose their structure, control the game, and come away with two points without drama. If they can’t do that against the Flames, then what does that say about where they’re really at?

It’s important to feel good about the performance you’ve put on against a struggling opponent. Not just the result — the actual performance. The Oilers need to head into this Olympic break feeling like they’ve figured something out, not wondering what’s broken.

There’s a big difference in mindset going into a month off depending on how that last game goes. If the Oilers lose to Calgary, or even if they win ugly, they’re going into the break with questions. About their structure. About their commitment to defence. About whether they can actually execute the systems they say they believe in.

But if they win cleanly — if they play smart, disciplined hockey and shut down a team they should beat — they head into the break with confidence. They can reset mentally, get healthy, and come back ready to make a push without carrying the weight of another frustrating loss.

The players need it. After getting embarrassed by Toronto at home, after going .500 on a homestand, they should’ve dominated; they need to finish strong. They need to remind themselves they’re capable of playing the game the right way.

The fans need it too. Watching your team stumble through a homestand, give up goals in bunches, and lose to division rivals is exhausting. Watching them close out the pre-Olympic portion of the season with a solid road win against a struggling team? That at least gives you something to hold onto during the break.

Calgary’s not good. The Oilers should win this game, but more than that, they need to win it the right way. No lazy turnovers. No defensive breakdowns. No giving up odd-man rushes. Just structured, disciplined hockey that shows they’re capable of doing what they say they want to do.

One game before the break. One chance to head into the Olympics feeling good instead of frustrated. The Oilers need this one. Not just for the standings. For themselves.