Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks Picks and Predictions April 11th 2025

McDavid’s Triumphant Return Fuels Oilers’ Momentum

The Edmonton Oilers welcomed back their captain and superstar Connor McDavid in thrilling fashion on Wednesday night. After an eight-game absence due to a lower-body injury, McDavid not only returned to action but immediately made a difference—registering three assists in a clutch 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

His return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Oilers, who had gone 4-4 without him and were looking to reignite their playoff push. As Connor Brown put it, “He’s the true embodiment of a captain—unselfish, hard-working, leads by example.”

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Short-Handed Defense, Big-Time Heart

Despite missing key defenseman Jake Walman (a late scratch) and playing with only five defensemen, the Oilers pulled off a gutsy win. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch described the night as “a crazy day,” acknowledging the team’s adaptability amid injuries and uncertainty.

• Connor Brown scored twice, including the game-winner with 21 seconds left.
• Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson also found the net.
• Goalie Calvin Pickard made 23 saves, anchoring a defense pushed to the brink.

Injury Watch: Oilers Monitoring Key Stars

The team remains without superstar Leon Draisaitl, who leads the league with 52 goals, and veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Both are listed as day-to-day, but their return is crucial as the Oilers look to build postseason momentum.

Sharks Continue Slide but Celebrate Rookies’ Breakout

The San Jose Sharks remain stuck at the bottom of the NHL standings (20-47-11, 51 points), now enduring a seven-game losing streak. However, their recent 8-7 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild wasn’t without its silver linings.

Rookie phenoms Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith exploded for a combined 10 points:

• Celebrini: 1st NHL hat trick + 2 assists
• Smith: 1 goal + 3 assists

Coach Ryan Warsofsky praised the youth movement, saying, “We just got a good look at the future.”

Celebrini and Smith: A Glimpse Into San Jose’s Future

While the Sharks fell short again, their late-game heroics were impressive. Smith tied the game at 7-7 with under a minute left, showcasing the young duo’s offensive talent and drive. Their chemistry and creativity give fans a reason to be hopeful.

However, goaltending and defense continue to plague the Sharks:

• Alexandar Georgiev faced 44 shots and made 36 saves.
• Mario Ferrara left mid-game after blocking a shot and is questionable for Friday’s matchup.

Friday Preview: Oilers vs. Sharks

Looking ahead to Friday night, the Oilers will host the Sharks in what appears to be a mismatch on paper—but the young Sharks aren’t to be underestimated. The Oilers, likely still without Draisaitl and Ekholm, will need to avoid complacency.

Key storylines to watch:

• Can McDavid replicate his instant impact?
• Will San Jose’s rookies shine against stronger competition?
• Can the Oilers’ banged-up roster hold up defensively?

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Final Thoughts

Connor McDavid’s return has injected life back into the Edmonton Oilers at a crucial point in the season. As they prepare to face the struggling San Jose Sharks, the contrast between a team eyeing a deep playoff run and one in rebuild mode will be on full display. Still, with rising stars like Celebrini and Smith, the Sharks may not be pushovers for long.

Stay tuned—Friday night’s game could offer fireworks from both ends of the NHL spectrum.