Connor McDavid’s playoff clock is ticking — Are the Oilers ready without him?

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With Connor McDavid still sidelined, the Edmonton Oilers are feeling the pressure as the NHL playoffs loom. Their playoff spot is anything but secure, and the team’s depth is being tested. This stretch has exposed their overreliance on McDavid, raising one big question—can the Oilers rise without their star, or will his absence derail their postseason dreams?

The NHL playoffs are nearly here, but the Edmonton Oilers are stuck in a dangerous waiting game. With Connor McDavid still sidelined, the team’s playoff push feels more like a tightrope walk without a safety net. He’s not just their star, he’s their spark. And without him, Edmonton’s engine is sputtering at the worst possible moment. Can the Oilers rally before it’s too late, or will McDavid’s absence prove too costly?

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It’s easy to ride momentum when your superstar is lighting up the scoreboard. But what happens when that safety net is gone? The Oilers have had to answer that question over the past few weeks, and the response hasn’t been pretty.

Since McDavid’s exit on March 20, the Oilers have looked disjointed. Chemistry has slipped, and the offense has stalled at times. While the roster is still packed with talent: Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard among them, the rhythm feels off. That spark McDavid brings isn’t just skill; it’s structure. And without it, Edmonton has been skating in survival mode.

Now, with only a handful of games left in the regular season, McDavid’s return has gone from hopeful to urgent. Reports suggest he’s close, maybe even eyeing a warmup this week—but nothing is certain. Coach Kris Knoblauch says the team expects him back before the playoffs, but that timeline leaves little room for reintegration.

Even more concerning is the Oilers aren’t locked into a comfortable playoff spot. Every point matters, and each game without their captain becomes a tighter squeeze. The Western Conference isn’t forgiving, and Edmonton’s cushion is thin.

This stretch has revealed something bigger: the Oilers’ depth is good but not great. Relying too heavily on McDavid has long been a quiet concern, and now it’s front and center. If he returns at less than 100%, can the rest of the roster carry the weight?

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The next few days could define Edmonton’s season. McDavid’s presence might tip the scale, but the Oilers have to prove they’re more than just a one-man show. Because if they can’t find another gear fast, the playoffs might arrive before they’re truly ready.

In hockey, timing is everything. And for Edmonton, the clock is ticking louder than ever.

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