The Oilers had 109 points last year. If they play at exactly that pace for their remaining 65 games, they'll be at 97-98 points which is good enough for playoffs. Their strength of schedule for remaining games is in the lower half of the league for sure, but with this many games remaining that difference is minimal. I don't see them suddenly beginning a team that can play at a 120 point pace.
So you can see where the panic should really set in now. If they lose tonight, that number is 95-96. That'll probably just barely make it. They're a small losing streak away from the season being effectively over.
|