The New York Rangers are one point ahead of the the Oilers in the standings, but are 11 points out of a playoff spot. The Oilers are only one point worse than New York, but are seven points out of the wild card and harbor faint hopes for the post-season. The result of tonight’s game will help determine the final lottery standings.
Edmonton is making a late playoff push. They have gone 6-2-1 in their last nine games with the only losses to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They really cannot afford to lose any games the rest of this season if they hope for a wild card, but with tough games ahead with Calgary, San Jose and two games with Vegas, it looks pretty doubtful.