The Edmonton Oilers are only expecting to lose Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with short term injuries, but even a week's worth of games could cause the Oilers to lose home ice advantage in the playoffs.
Leon Draisaitl seems to be dealing with a more minor injury with a return expected within a week, but Connor McDavid was booked for an MRI and could be out slightly longer.
Oilers losing McDavid and Draisaitl could cost home ice advantage in the playoffs
The Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers are on track to meet once again in the playoffs this year, and are currently tied in the standings with 85 points - and the Kings have a game in hand on Edmonton.
If the Oilers lose out every game this week which Draisaitl and McDavid could plausibly miss, and the Kings go on a win streak, the Oilers could find themselves third place in the division and up to 8 points back of the Kings.
This could take home ice advantage out of the question for the Oilers, and with the fans in Oil Country, it really is an advantage in the playoffs. Finishing the year above the Kings needs to be a priority for the Oilers.
For that reason, the supporting cast of the roster is going to need to step up in the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl, and at least grab one win in the next week.
The easiest opportunity will be last night's game against the Seattle Kraken, so that win was crucial for Edmonton. Hopefully, they can build some momentum with this win, and keep going without their two superstars.
