Five Players Who Must Step Up for the Oilers’ Playoff Hopes to Stay Alive

Indeed — if the Oilers are going to make a genuine push, with the injury bug nipping especially hard, these five players are going to need to step up in a huge way:

1. Leon Draisaitl
   With McDavid being Connor McDavid, Draisaitl has to be just as dominant, particularly if Hyman is out of commission. He’s the Oilers’ top overall weapon and power play quarterback in McDavid’s absence.
2. Evan Bouchard
   He needs to shut things down in his own end now that Ekholm is out. And his puck distribution and booming power-play shot can be a game-breaker.
3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
   Responsible and versatile, RNH must offer consistent secondary scoring and shore things up in his own end. He could also see increased top-line minutes called upon.
4. Stuart Skinner
   If the Oilers are injured, they’ll have to rely on Skinner to pull a game or two. He’s played well, but it’s time now for him to step up like a real playoff goalie.
5. Corey Perry
   The grizzled playoff veteran. He’s not flying anymore, but his playoff experience, toughness, and ability to get under people’s skin are gold. If he adds a few dirty goals as well? Huge.