Can the Edmonton Oilers Win the Stanley Cup? | The 2026 Playoff Elevator Pitch

Can the Edmonton Oilers actually win the Stanley Cup in 2026? With the NHL playoffs starting on April 19th, host Nick Zararis delivers the ultimate "elevator pitch" for why this version of the Oilers is a legitimate contender. Despite a roster that looks "worse on paper" than previous years, a fundamental shift in coaching and style might be exactly what Edmonton needs to get over the hump. Can the Edmonton Oilers actually win the Stanley Cup in 2026? With the NHL playoffs starting on April 19th, host Nick Zararis delivers the ultimate "elevator pitch" for why this version of the Oilers is a legitimate contender. Despite a roster that looks "worse on paper" than previous years, a fundamental shift in coaching and style might be exactly what Edmonton needs to get over the hump. In today’s episode, we break down the 6-3-0 run without Leon Draisaitl and why the team's defensive improvements under Kris Knoblauch provide a "proof of concept" for the postseason. We also look at Connor McDavid’s Hart-caliber season and why Evan Bouchard belongs in the Norris conversation.   06:15 Evaluating the Oilers' recent strategy 08:15 Challenges for the Oilers' depth 12:24 Oilers defense and recent stretch 14:12 Importance of steady performance 17:24 Navigating team growth and adversity 21:18 Oilers' resilience after key injury 25:23 Oilers' strategy and key players 28:34 Oilers persevering without Leon   Can the Edmonton Oilers Win the Stanley Cup? | The 2026 Playoff Elevator Pitch   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.