As 2025 draws to a close, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: contending for a playoff spot in the competitive Pacific Division. With a current record of 20 wins, 14 losses, and 6 overtime losses, the Oilers are battling for the top spot with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks. As they look ahead to 2026, here are key resolutions that could propel them toward their ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup championship.

Find Consistency

Perhaps the most pressing resolution for the Oilers is to establish a higher level of consistency. The team has struggled to string together long winning streaks, hindering their ability to solidify their position in the standings. While they've shown flashes of brilliance, they need to minimize the off nights that have plagued them throughout the first half of the season. Consistency starts with reliable goaltending, and the Oilers addressed this by acquiring Tristan Jarry. However, Jarry's early injury led to Connor Ingram stepping in and providing solid performances. The Oilers need stability between the pipes, and consistent goaltending will be crucial for securing wins. Beyond goaltending, the entire team must commit to bringing their best effort every game, regardless of the opponent or location.

Continued Offensive Production

The Edmonton Oilers have been one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL this season. Maintaining this offensive firepower will be critical for their success in 2026. Connor McDavid continues to lead the charge, showcasing his exceptional skill and playmaking ability. Leon Draisaitl remains a key contributor, providing a potent secondary scoring option. Zach Hyman has also been a consistent goal scorer, adding another dimension to the Oilers' attack. The Oilers need to ensure that these key players continue to produce at a high level, while also getting contributions from the rest of the lineup. Players like Jack Roslovic and Matt Savoie have shown promise and need to continue their development to provide valuable depth scoring.

Improve Defensive Play

While the Oilers' offense is among the league's best, their defensive play has been inconsistent. They have allowed more goals than expected, which needs to be tightened up to become a true contender. Darnell Nurse plays a crucial role on the blue line, providing physicality and leadership. Mattias Ekholm brings a steady presence and experience to the defensive core. The Oilers need to improve their defensive zone coverage, limit turnovers, and reduce the number of high-quality scoring chances they allow. A commitment to playing a strong defensive game will be essential for success in the playoffs.

Stay Healthy

Injuries can derail even the most talented teams, so staying healthy is a crucial resolution for the Oilers. Key players like Tristan Jarry have already experienced injury setbacks, highlighting the importance of maintaining player health. The Oilers need to focus on proper conditioning, injury prevention, and load management to keep their roster healthy throughout the long season. Having a healthy lineup will allow Coach Knoblauch to deploy his preferred combinations and maximize the team's potential.

Capitalize on Special Teams

Special teams can often be the difference between winning and losing, and the Oilers need to continue to excel in these situations. Their power play has been a major strength, and they need to maintain their high conversion rate. The penalty kill needs to be more consistent in preventing goals when shorthanded. Improving both the power play and penalty kill will give the Oilers a significant advantage over their opponents.

By focusing on these New Year's resolutions, the Edmonton Oilers can position themselves for a successful 2026 and make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The journey will require hard work, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement, but the ultimate prize is within reach.