Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM EDT
Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
Broadcast: CHSN, SNW, TVAS; League Pass / Radio affiliates
This late-season Pacific-Central interconference matchup features a Blackhawks team that is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and playing out the string versus an Oilers squad still fighting for positioning in the Pacific Division (currently 2nd) and looking to lock in home-ice advantage. Edmonton hosts at Rogers Place (strong recent home dominance) and enters on a four-game win streak, while Chicago (poor road record) arrives on a lengthy losing skid. The Oilers have dominated recent head-to-head play in this rivalry.
Injury Report
Chicago Blackhawks (multiple long-term absences thinning defense and depth):
- Andrew Mangiapane (LW) – Out (upper body; expected return ~April 9–15; confirmed unavailable for this contest)
- Matt Grzelcyk (D) – Out for season (upper body)
- Artyom Levshunov (D) – Out for season (hand)
- Oliver Moore (C) – Out (lower body; expected return ~April 11)
Edmonton Oilers (key center missing but core otherwise intact):
- Leon Draisaitl (C) – Injured Reserve – Long Term (lower body; expected return ~April 20)
- Colton Dach (C) – Injured Reserve – Long Term (expected return ~April 4)
- Mattias Janmark (C) – Injured Reserve – Long Term
Chicago’s blueline and forward depth are severely compromised, forcing heavier minutes on young stars like Connor Bedard. Edmonton’s absence of Draisaitl hurts top-six scoring but their elite speed and goaltending remain intact.
Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)
Chicago Blackhawks (0-4-1):
- 3/31 vs WPG: L 4-3 (OT)
- 3/29 @ NJD: L 5-3
- 3/27 @ NYR: L 6-1
- 3/26 @ PHI: L 5-1
- 3/24 vs NYI: L (part of broader skid)
Chicago has been outscored badly, struggling defensively and in net during a multi-game slide.
Edmonton Oilers (4-1-0):
- 3/31 vs SEA: W 3-0
- 3/28 vs ANA: W 4-2
- 3/26 @ VGK: W 4-3 (OT)
- 3/24 @ UTA: W 5-2
- Earlier result contributing to current surge
Edmonton has been dominant lately with strong special teams, timely scoring, and shutdown defense.
Key Player Matchups
- Connor Bedard / Blackhawks young core vs. Oilers shutdown pairs and goaltending: Bedard remains Chicago’s primary threat, but Edmonton’s structure limits space.
- Connor McDavid / Zach Hyman / Evan Bouchard (EDM) vs. Blackhawks depleted blueline: McDavid’s speed and playmaking should generate high-danger chances against a makeshift Chicago defense.
- Secondary Scoring/Depth: Oilers balanced lines vs. Blackhawks call-ups – home energy amplifies Edmonton’s transition edge.
- Goaltending Battle: Chicago’s netminder (likely a backup/call-up amid injuries) vs. Edmonton’s stable tandem – Oilers hold a significant edge.
Edmonton’s speed, special teams, and defensive structure project a clear advantage across the ice.
Series History
The Oilers have owned this matchup, going 9-1-0 in their last 10 games against the Blackhawks with a strong goal differential. In the 2025-26 season, Edmonton has secured multiple victories (including 3-2 on Nov. 1 and 4-1 on Jan. 12). Recent head-to-head games have favored Edmonton’s pace and star execution at home.
Betting Trends
Totals trend Over in Chicago road games.
Chicago is 1-6 SU in its last 7 and 1-10 SU in its last 11 vs. Edmonton.
Edmonton is 3-2 SU/ATS in last 5 and strong at home as favorites.
