Edmonton Oilers Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Goaltending Headaches, Battle of Alberta and More – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Here are the key storylines for the Edmonton Oilers and their schedule for the week ahead (Feb. 1–8, 2026), as the team heads into the Olympic break.

Goaltending Controversy Heading into the Break

The most immediate concern is the crease. In their recent 7–3 loss to the Minnesota Wild (Jan. 31), goaltender Tristan Jarry was pulled midway through the second period after allowing five goals on 20 shots. Connor Ingram came in for relief. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has yet to find a consistent answer in net, a narrative that has plagued the team all season. The pressure is on to stabilize this position before the playoffs.

The Fight for the Pacific Division

Despite the recent loss, the Oilers remain in a tight race for the top spot in the Pacific Division. They have a 28-20-8 record (64 points), effectively tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for first place, though Vegas holds games in hand. This week’s back-to-back games are crucial for entering the Olympic break with momentum and potentially sole possession of the division lead.

Connor McDavid’s Art Ross Chase

Connor McDavid continues to dominate offensively. He sits at 95 points (34 goals, 61 assists) through 56 games. He is on pace to easily crack the 100-point barrier before the season resumes in late February. His production is the primary engine keeping the Oilers at the top of the standings despite their defensive inconsistencies.

The “Battle of Alberta” Finale

The week features a high-stakes rivalry game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. This is the final game before the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Leaving on a win against their provincial rivals would be a massive morale booster for the roster before they disperse for the international break.

Olympic Roster Freeze & Trade Deadline Looming

With the Olympic break starting Feb. 5, a roster freeze will be in effect. General Manager Stan Bowman will be evaluating the roster closely this week. Rumors persist about the Oilers seeking defensive upgrades and goaltending insurance before the March 6 trade deadline, making these final two games a key audition for depth players like recent call-up Josh Samanski.

Oilers Schedule Feb 1 – 8

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