It’s finally playoff time in Edmonton and while the Oilers were far from dominant during the regular season, this is a group that’s more than capable of going on a deep run.
Many fans are worried about the new style of play that the Los Angeles Kings are executing, Darcy Kuemper’s ability to steal a series, or the Oilers’ ability to flip the switch and start playing their best hockey on night one of the playoffs, I’m not going to do any of that today.
Today is all about positive vibes.
These aren’t safe bets or overly analytical takes. These are bold, exciting predictions about the kind of playoff magic that makes hockey in Edmonton the absolute best. Some are things we’ll need to see if the Oilers want another crack at hockey in late June, others are just pure fun storylines that would make this run even sweeter. Let’s dive into my five bold, fearless predictions for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs:
1 – Trent Frederic Instantly Becomes a Fan Favourite
We got only seven minutes of Trent Frederic in an Oilers jersey, but man, did he ever make them count. He hits hard, stirs things up after the whistle, and has shown he can put the puck in the net in big moments. Pair him up with McDavid or Draisaitl, and watch him become an overnight cult hero in Edmonton.
Once Frederic cracks the lineup, Oilers fans won’t be able to get enough of him. Hopefully, this time, he’s able to stay on the ice and not reaggravate his ankle issue. The gritty forward could be a game-changer this spring.
2 – Jeff Skinner Has His “Pisani Moment”
Every playoff run, we’re on the hunt for a new Fernando Pisani — A depth guy who suddenly finds another gear and becomes a playoff legend.
Wouldn’t it be incredible if that guy were Jeff Skinner? Over 1,000 NHL games and he’s finally getting his first taste of playoff hockey. He’s earned the coaches’ trust, he’s getting important minutes, and I say he’s ready to deliver some clutch goals. Skinner is about to be Edmonton’s unexpected playoff hero.
3 – Evan Bouchard Shuts Down the Haters (Again)
Okay, this isn’t exactly risky. Bouchard has been Edmonton’s best playoff defenseman two years running. But after a rocky regular season, one that came with massive expectations given his upcoming contract negotiations, a lot of people soured on him.
Forget that. Bouchard lives for the playoffs. Remember his clutch performances against Vancouver last year? He’s cleaned up his game lately, stepped up big without Ekholm, and mark my words, he’s about to have his best postseason yet.
4 – Calvin Pickard Doesn’t Make a Single Start
Everyone’s nervous about Stuart Skinner after a shaky year, as the Edmonton native posted a .896 save percentage over 51 appearances in the regular season. Last spring, Pickard had to bail the Oilers out against Vancouver when Skinner was struggling, but this year I’m calling it right now: Skinner flips the switch in the playoffs.
He’s streaky, sure, but when he’s hot, he’s nearly unstoppable. Sitting out these past few weeks with a concussion might’ve been exactly the reset he needed. Skinner is going to bounce back huge, and Pickard won’t have to step in even once.
5 – Wild Card Chaos: Two Underdogs Advance
Let’s zoom out a bit. Playoff chaos is half the fun, and this year’s shaping up perfectly. Everyone’s talking Ottawa over Toronto, but I’m thinking even bolder: The Canadiens stun the Capitals, and the Wild shock Vegas.
Minnesota plays gritty playoff hockey, and finally healthy, they’re dangerous. And here’s a bonus take: of all four division champs, only Toronto makes it to the conference finals. You heard it here first.
Alright, those are my bold takes. What do you think? Got your own spicy playoff predictions? Let us know in the comments.
