The Edmonton Oilers are still searching for consistency as the regular season enters its final stretch. Despite sitting third in the Pacific Division, their playoff spot is far from secure after an uneven campaign.
Terry Jones, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has outlined what he believes is the path Edmonton must follow to secure a playoff berth.
Terry Jones Charts Playoff Course for Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are coming off a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Sunday, improving their record to 33-26-9. With 14 games remaining, Jones believes the math for Edmonton’s playoff chances is straightforward.
Jones said, “Here is how I have it figured. The Edmonton Oilers have 14 games remaining. Win 10, and they finish first in the Pacific. Win nine. Finish second. Win eight. Third. Win seven. First wild card. Win six. Second wild card. Win five. Miss the playoffs.”
In other words, Jones believes the Oilers’ final position will largely depend on how many wins they collect down the stretch. With 28 possible points still available, he has essentially outlined the cutoff points for each playoff tier in the Western Conference.
According to his projection, fewer than seven wins could leave Edmonton relying on other teams’ results, though the outlook could still shift depending on the conference race.
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The Oilers’ immediate schedule could play a major role in determining whether they stay on pace with what many are calling “Jones Math.”
Edmonton will play its next three games at home, a stretch that could help build momentum:
- March 17 vs. San Jose Sharks – San Jose is five points behind Edmonton, making this a game the Oilers cannot afford to lose.
- March 19 vs. Florida Panthers – Florida has dealt with injuries this season and has not resembled the dominant team that captured consecutive Stanley Cups.
- March 21 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – The toughest game of the home stand, as Tampa Bay remains one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division.
The Road to Nine Wins
If the Oilers want to reach nine wins, which Jones believes could secure second place in the Pacific, their schedule offers a realistic opportunity.
Eight of their final 14 games are at home, and if they defeat lower-ranked teams such as the Sharks, Canucks, Panthers, and Chicago Blackhawks, they would only need about five wins in tougher matchups to remain on track for a strong playoff seed.
For now, the Oilers still control much of their own fate. The question is whether they can follow the path Jones has outlined.
