With just 18 games left in the 2025–26 NHL regular season, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious position as their playoff chances diminish amid tough competition. Currently third in the Pacific Division with 70 points, the Oilers face mounting pressure to perform after inconsistent recent results, as rival teams such as the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks maintain slight leads.
Western Conference Wild Card Battle Intensifies
The Oilers have fallen behind Anaheim’s 73 points and Vegas’s 72 points in the Pacific Division standings, but the battle for playoff positioning remains fierce throughout the Western Conference. The two wild card spots are currently held by the Utah Mammoth with 72 points and the Seattle Kraken with 67 points. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings lurk close behind, with 66 and 64 points respectively, threatening to overtake Edmonton’s place in the postseason.
Seattle Kraken Eyeing a Leap Over Edmonton
The Seattle Kraken, one of the NHL’s newer franchises, are positioned to challenge the Oilers for playoff qualification thanks to a steady performance this season. After 62 games, Seattle holds a 29-24-9 record. Although their recent form has been average with a 5–5 record over the last 10 games, their remaining schedule offers opportunities. Nine upcoming games against lower-ranked teams, combined with six matches against top-tier squads and five contests against divisional rivals or bubble teams, give Seattle a realistic chance to earn roughly 20 additional points.
This projected point gain could push the Kraken’s total to between 87 and 90 points, surpassing Edmonton and securing a postseason berth. The Oilers must remain vigilant as the Kraken’s consistent play and manageable upcoming schedule set them up as a serious threat in the playoff race.
San Jose Sharks Poised to Challenge for Playoff Spot
Once among the NHL’s poorest performers over recent years, the San Jose Sharks have regained competitiveness and are threatening to overtake the Oilers for a playoff spot. Their current record of 30 wins, 25 losses, and six overtime losses places them in close proximity to Edmonton. Despite a 3–4–3 record in their last 10 games, the Sharks’ schedule includes nine matchups against low-ranked teams, five against top 13 teams, and seven in the mid-tier range.
While their upcoming slate appears more challenging than Seattle’s, the Sharks could still accumulate around 24 extra points if they win about 12 of their remaining games. If they achieve that—partly thanks to key players like Macklin Celebrini—it would position them near 90 points for the season, heightening the threat to Edmonton’s playoff status.
Los Angeles Kings Remain a Threat Despite Recent Struggles
For the fourth consecutive season, the Edmonton Oilers have faced stiff competition from the Los Angeles Kings, their playoff opponents in the first round. After a rough 3–6–1 record in their last 10 games, the Kings sit precariously outside the playoff picture but have a tough schedule that offers opportunities. Their remaining matchups include 10 games against bottom-tier teams, five against some of the league’s best, and four against middle-ranking opponents.
The Kings could realistically secure 10 to 12 more wins, translating into roughly 20 points and potentially finishing with between 86 and 90 points. Such a scenario would not only place them ahead of Edmonton in the standings but could also set up a dramatic playoff rematch where the Kings aim to advance after years of falling to the Oilers.
Oilers’ Recent Performance Adds to Uncertainty
Edmonton’s recent performance raises concerns about their ability to clinch a postseason spot. They have recorded four wins and six losses in their last 10 games, with goals for and against nearly even at 41 and 43, respectively. If this trend continues through the remainder of the 18-game stretch, the Oilers risk missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2018–19 season.
As the race tightens, every game carries significant weight for Edmonton and their rivals. The Oilers must improve their consistency if they hope to secure one of the coveted playoff positions in the highly competitive Western Conference, while Seattle, San Jose, and Los Angeles all push hard to claim their spots.
