Edmonton Oilers Depth Performance is Critical to Playoff Success and Key Vegas Lineup Note

The Edmonton Oilers depth scoring has become a key part of the teams success in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoff run thus far. Incredibly, every forward has recorded a point. The top-end talent on the Oilers roster has carried the workload, but their depth has been terrific. Players like Connor McDavid are expected to carry the load, and he has admirably. McDavid is attempting to retain his Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. However, the Oilers’ depth has been equally impressive. They’ve been a big reason for the Oilers’ success. Let’s find out why we can come to that conclusion.

Importance of the Edmonton Oilers Scoring Depth

Edmonton’s depth has been sensational. All 13 forwards the Oilers have used in this series have gotten a point, and amazingly 12 of them have goals. That’s one of the most important things a team can have this time of year. The Oilers are deep in a playoff run, hoping to return to the Western Conference Finals. Edmonton needs its depth to continue producing. Without them, the Oilers become too top-heavy. With scoring depth, the Oilers are more challenging to slow down.

The Oilers’ depth production is highly beneficial for the team. When you have talent like Edmonton does, teams get drawn to shut those guys down. Edmonton can hurt the opponent with the rest of the lineup if they can. Stanley Cup Champions must have substantial depth. Look at the Florida Panthers last year with Vladimir Tarasenko on the third line. Edmonton doesn’t have that, but they have incredible performers in the bottom six.

When the Oilers’ bottom six can score, they don’t need to overuse their stars. Getting extra rest for McDavid or Leon Draisaitl is essential during a grueling playoff run. Resting stars to win games later in the playoffs could be the difference between losing in Round 2 and defending their Western Conference Champions title. Edmonton needs its depth to succeed for a deep run. It’s a staple of a champion.

Concern

The Oilers still have a concern defensively. They are not a good defensive team. It isn’t new, but it is a concern. While the Oilers are producing, the absence of defence means Edmonton needs to play a team defence. They need all 12 forwards to backcheck, which is essential to success in the playoffs. Moreover, they don’t need to backcheck hard, but taking away time and space will change games. It’s a core part of the ugly way games must be won this time of year.

For the Oilers, that’s a problem throughout. They can score points, but their depth must strengthen their defensive game. If they can do that, the Oilers’ defensive frailties will become less of an issue. Scoring depth is a sign of success for teams with deep playoff aspirations. Whether that continues or not doesn’t matter if the defense is good. Then, they don’t have to score as much to win games.

Physical aspect

As mentioned with Evander Kane, the Oilers’ depth is not only about scoring. It’s extracting a physical toll on the opponents. The depth is wearing down the opposition, whether it is Los Angeles or Vegas. That’s part of the job of this Oilers roster. This series has shown the Oilers’ ability to lay the body and play without the puck. Kane, like the returning Trent Frederic, has been a big part of that. Both have been willing to use the body physically. That’s a good sign for the future.

The one area the Oilers need to improve on the forward core is in the defensive zone, but that isn’t as significant a concern if the Oilers can effectively outscore their issues. While that isn’t viable for long periods, it will work well enough in short bursts. There will always be areas the team needs to improve, but this Oilers team looks good. At least, the forward core does.

Some Notes on Vegas Further Hammering Home Edmonton Oilers Depth at Forward

A major lineup note for the Vegas Golden Knights just hours ahead of tonight’s game. Captain Mark Stone will miss Game 5 tonight.