As we head into the final week of the Edmonton Oilers’ season, there is still a high level of variance when it comes to where this team could finish in the Pacific Division standings.

The simplest way to outline the scenario for the Oilers is this:

That’s not a bad spot to be in, considering just six weeks ago their playoff chances were hovering right around 60 per cent.

The team has found another gear, even despite the fact that they’ve been without some key pieces, like Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, for a large chunk of these games.

A big reason why is that they’ve had players all throughout their lineup making contributions. Curtis Lazar, Adam Henrique, Max Jones, and Colton Dach have all scored important goals at some point over the last few weeks and part of the reason why is that Knoblauch has been forced to give them some extra opportunities.

When the Oilers get some players back in the lineup, although it’s never a guarantee that the roster will be fully healthy, then the Oilers coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make. One thing I’ve really liked is that Knoblauch has been running a rotation in his bottom six over the last month.

It might seem unfair that Curtis Lazar scores against Utah and then gets pulled out of the lineup, but I like making sure that no one player is sitting up in the press box for too long. You never know who you might need to throw into the mix come playoff time, and if you need to tap a Dach, Lazar or Jones on the shoulder and throw them into a game in the middle of round one, I think it’s good that they wouldn’t be coming off a month without game action.

On the blueline, I’m curious if Spencer Stastney gets into potentially both games next week for the team, especially if the out-of-town scoreboard breaks their way and they clinch the division earlier than expected.

Between the pipes, I’d say the same for Tristan Jarry. I think giving him two of the final three starts is a really good idea. Let him try to throw together a few good games so if you need him come playoff time, at least he has some positive momentum.

In the moment, it’s never ideal to lose key players but who knows, maybe in six weeks we’ll look back on this run of bad health and actually see it as a bit of a blessing in disguise for the Oilers since it’s gotten other pieces of their roster playing and contributing at a really high level.

Cole Caufield became the first Montreal Canadien to score 50-goals in a season since Stephane Richer in 1989-90. Pretty crazy to think that a storied franchise like that has gone 36 seasons in between 50-goal scorers.

A lot has been made about the fact that Caufield scored what Habs fans are dubbing a ‘Clean 50’ but honestly, it’s not all that impressive to me.

Leon Draisaitl accomplished this feat back in 2023-24 when he scored 52 goals without registering a single empty net goal.

In fact, if you look back at the last ten 50-goal scorers before this season, nine of them would have still hit the 50-goal mark if you take out their empty net goals.

On top of that, Caufield has only been on the ice for 3:22 with the goalie pulled this season while each of the last 12 50-goal scorers have played at least ten minutes against an empty net with eight of them playing north of 20 minutes.

Here’s a look:

Nathan MacKinnon 52 goals (7 ENG 30:22 TOI)

Cole Caufield 50 goals (0 ENG 3:22 TOI)

Leon Draisaitl 52 goals (2 ENG 26:30 TOI)

Auston Matthews 69 goals (2 ENG 19:58 TOI)

Sam Reinhart 57 goals (4 ENG 26:46 TOI)

Zach Hyman 54 goals (2 ENG 12:19 TOI)

Nathan MacKinnon 51 goals (3 ENG 20:28 TOI)

Connor McDavid 64 goals (4 ENG 28:34 TOI)

David Pastrnak 61 goals (4 ENG  33:34 TOI)

Mikko Rantanen 55 goals (5 ENG 22:18 TOI)

Leon Draisaitl 52 goals (0 ENG 28:16 TOI)

Brayden Point 51 goals (1 ENG 14:09 TOI)

So is the flex here that Caufield just wasn’t trusted to every play late in games when his team was only leading by a goal or two?

Regardless, 50 goals for Caufield is still wildly impressive, and honestly, I’m surprised he’s not a little bit more in the MVP conversation considering how important his goals have been for the Canadiens. His 12 game-winning-goals are two more than anyone else in the league.

It’s been a great season for a player that I’m a big fan of watching… but I’m out on the ‘Clean 50’ thing.

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.