Could The Canucks Pass The Oilers Before The End Of The 2024-25 Regular Season?

The 2024-25 regular season is coming to a close, with the majority of NHL teams having 10 or fewer games remaining. That includes the Vancouver Canucks, who sit just below the playoff bar with 80 points through 72 games. Ultimately, the last few weeks of the season will be chaotic as teams in both the Western and Eastern Conferences battle for 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff berths. 

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When it comes to the Canucks, they are in a complicated situation. As mentioned, Vancouver is currently on the outside of the playoff picture and is competing with the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Utah Hockey Club for the two Wild Card spots. While most of the focus has been on the Wild Card chase, there is another way the Canucks could get into the playoffs, and that is by finishing as the third team in the Pacific Division. 

Before diving into this possibility, it is important to note that Vancouver finishing as the third-place team in the Pacific Division is highly unlikely. That being said, the team that is currently holding the spot is 1-2-1 in their last four games and is facing some serious injury issues heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The team in question is the Edmonton Oilers, who, with ten games remaining, have 87 points on the season. 

Now that the theory has been presented, the question is what would need to happen to make this idea a reality. Ultimatley, the Canucks would need to record eight more points than the Oilers for the rest of the season. For example, if Edmonton posted a 3-7-0 record, Vancouver would need to go 7-3-0 in their final ten games to surpass their division rival. 

As for the schedule comparissons, the Oilers have an easier schedule than the Canucks. Edmonton's strength of schedule is .529 compared to Vancouver's .577. If this were to happen, the Canucks would need the San Jose Sharks to do them a huge favour, as they have three more matchups against the Oilers left on the schedule. 

One of the reasons why this is possible is that, as mentioned, the Oilers are currently dealing with some injury issues. Leon Draisatil and Connor McDavid have both missed the last handful of games, while Stuart Skinner was absent from the lineup on Thursday when they lost to the Seattle Kraken. While all three of these players are expected to return before the end of the season, not having them at 100% could cause some issues as Edmonton looks to secure a playoff berth. 

While the odds are stacked against them, Vancouver still has a chance at clinching a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It will not be easy, as six of their final 10 games are against teams currently in playoffs, which included two more games against the Winnipeg Jets. That being said, anything is possible if they go on a run, which includes surpassing the Oilers for the third spot in the Pacific Division. 

The Canucks play their fifth of sixth straight on the road Friday when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a key matchup for both teams as each is battling for a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 pm PT from Nationwide Arena.

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