Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Henrique (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f4e55731-db7f-4777-b5a1-4af2a41db96d.jpeg] Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Henrique (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) Over the next couple of games at least, the Edmonton Oilers have a real shot at proving they are a lot more than just Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch saying both superstars likely won't play this week [https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-mcdavid-draisaitl-injury-status-update-march-24] due to injuries, depth players and mid-tier stars will need to step up. Should they do so, the Oilers could be a handful at the most important time of the season. So far, several Oilers are up to the challenge. With McDavid and Draisaitl out of the lineup, could the Los Angeles Kings pass the Oilers in the standings? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has nine points in his last four games, including a hat trick versus the Seattle Kraken on Saturday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/game-day/oilers-key-player-grades-no-mcdavid-no-draisaitl-no-problem] without McDavid and Draisaitl in the lineup. "Ryan's playing his best hockey of the year right now," Knoblauch told reporters [https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1904251237417300273] on Monday. "A lot more confidence, being in the middle of the ice, making plays." Jeff Skinner [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/players/jeff-skinner-its-your-time-to-shine-now] now has 14 goals, including three in his last two games, and has shown Knoblauch that repeatedly making him a healthy scratch [https://thehockeynews.com/news/how-the-edmonton-oilers-decision-to-sign-jeff-skinner-looks-seven-months-later] overlooked his effectiveness as a goal-scorer. Zach Hyman continues to drive play and push his line, getting to the net and making life difficult for opposing goaltenders. KEEPING THE GAME SIMPLE It’s a given the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] would prefer to have McDavid and Draisaitl in the lineup. That said, an opportunity exists for depth guys to play a bigger role — something the team has needed for a while. "We hope in the long run, this is good for us," Knoblauch said. "In the short term, it's harder for us to win games and move up in the standings, and we want to win as many games as possible. Collectively, our team, we want to be at our best for the playoffs. That's the most important thing. This little break, without having those two, maybe that helps other guys find their game, they're able to step it up." There is a tendency for the roster to naturally defer to the top two stars. Without them available, a simple game where everyone plays a key role is a must. Shooting when open, getting pucks in deep and forechecking, bodies in front of the netminder — and every other offensive hockey cliche one can think of — becomes a critical part of the team’s overall strategy. OILERS CAN DO MORE THAN STAY AFLOAT Former Oilers defenseman Chris Pronger noted that he sees this next week as an opportunity for Edmonton. "Oilers with a huge win minus their two superstars," Pronger wrote on social media [https://x.com/chrispronger/status/1903789861452054736] on Sunday. "This next week will be a good test and opportunity for them to create a more balanced attack and get more players involved offensively so that once the big dogs come back, they won’t be a two-trick pony come playoffs." This next week isn’t just about avoiding losses without McDavid and Draisaitl. It’s about proving this is a solid team that can win games without their elite stars and provide enough quality depth once they do return. Edmonton has a big test facing the Dallas Stars on Wednesday before visiting the Kraken on Thursday, leading up to a Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames on Saturday. If they want to silence doubters who think they won't get anywhere without McDavid and Draisaitl, this is their chance. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
