{"id":460010,"date":"2026-02-16T18:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/460010\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T18:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:44:13","slug":"edmonton-oilers-week-ahead-schedule-storylines-mcdavids-dominance-draisaitls-battle-and-more-the-hockey-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/460010\/","title":{"rendered":"Edmonton Oilers Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – McDavid’s Dominance, Draisaitl’s Battle and More – The Hockey Writers –"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Edmonton Oilers are very active in Milan, Italy, where captain Connor McDavid and alternate captain Leon Draisaitl are dominating the headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics.<\/p>\n

Captain McDavid\u2019s Dominance & The \u201cTorch Pass\u201d<\/p>\n

Wearing the \u201cA\u201d for Team Canada, Connor McDavid is leading the tournament<\/a> in scoring with nine points in just three preliminary games (Canada went undefeated).<\/p>\n

There is a heavy focus on the dynamic between McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Media outlets are framing this as the official \u201cpassing of the torch,\u201d highlighted by moments like Crosby allowing McDavid to step onto the ice last\u2014a spot usually reserved for the team\u2019s singular leader.<\/p>\n

McDavid had a massive 3-point game against Czechia and continued to score at will against France (10-2 win). He is centering Canada\u2019s top line and looking unstoppable.<\/p>\n

Draisaitl & Germany\u2019s Uphill Battle<\/p>\n

Leon Draisaitl is captaining Team Germany and served as the country\u2019s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony. Unlike Canada, Germany has had a rocky road in the group stage (losses to USA and Latvia).<\/p>\n

Germany faces a \u201cdo-or-die\u201d qualification game against France on Tuesday, Feb 17. If they lose, Draisaitl\u2019s Olympics are over. Draisaitl is playing alongside Oilers rookie\/prospect Josh Samanski, giving Edmonton fans a glimpse of a potential future NHL duo.<\/p>\n

The \u201cRested\u201d Stars<\/p>\n

While McDavid and Draisaitl are exerting themselves in high-pressure games, a major storyline back in Edmonton is the rest advantage<\/a> for key players who were snubbed or left off Olympic rosters.<\/p>\n

Zach Hyman & Evan Bouchard: Both were left off Team Canada despite their elite offensive ability.<\/p>\n

Mattias Ekholm: Was left off Team Sweden in favor of younger options (including former Oiler Philip Broberg).<\/p>\n

These key contributors get a full two weeks of rest to heal minor injuries, which could give the Oilers a significant physical advantage over tired opponents when the season resumes on Feb. 25.<\/p>\n

Related \u2013 Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men\u2019s Hockey Tournament<\/a><\/p>\n

DateEvent \/ MatchupTime (ET)NotesTue, Feb 17Germany vs. France6:10 AMQualification Round: Draisaitl & Samanski (GER) face elimination.Wed, Feb 18QuarterfinalsTBDCanada plays the winner of Czechia\/Denmark.
Germany (if they win Tue) would play Slovakia.Fri, Feb 20SemifinalsTBDPotential for Canada vs. Sweden matchup.Sat, Feb 21Bronze Medal Game2:40 PM\u2014Sun, Feb 22Gold Medal Game8:10 AMThe final event of the Winter Olympics.<\/p>\n

AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

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