from Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Journal,

Twenty-seven games.

That is all that stands between the Edmonton Oilers and their first playoff berth in 11 years.

If they can navigate these last eight weeks without any major stumbles, they’re in.

“It’s exciting. It’s the first time the Oilers have played meaningful hockey in February in a long time,” said captain Connor McDavid, as the Oilers returned to practice Friday after their last extended break of the season. “It’s something that we can be excited about and the fans can be excited about. We’re eager to get it going.”

With 27 games left and the Oilers sitting three teams and seven points clear of the playoff cutline, it’s not an absolute lock that they’re going to make it – ask the Atlanta Falcons if stranger things have ever happened – but their fate is most definitely in their own hands.

And that’s a good feeling.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good spot,” said McDavid. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

continued