Edmonton Oilers about to get major break that may help them climb back into playoff spot

Tomorrow night against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers will wrap up a gruelling 7-game road trip through the Eastern Conference. It's been a gruelling schedule that's about to get a lot easier, and there's been some new signs of life in recent games.

The Oilers are now approaching a 5-game homestand shortly after playing Florida, and they'll get some lighter matchups as well. Edmonton will be playing Seattle, Boston, and Calgary multiple times in a 12 game stretch.

After starting the last few seasons on a similar cold streak it wouldn't be surprising to see the Oilers finally turn on the jets and start rocketing up the standings, especially after this gruelling road trip.

This season's start has had some more concerning signs that weren't present in previous years, though. The Oilers 5v5 metrics are troubling at every position, with even their dynamic offence struggling to produce. The defence and goaltending have been near dead last in some key categories.

However in their last two games, the Oilers have shown some signs of life. Against the Washington Capitals the Oilers were able to get some offence, and limited high-danger scoring chances against Tampa Bay. Just by the eyes, the Oilers had more energy the last two games despite the losses.

With some positive signs in their play and the schedule lightening up, this is the opportunity for the Oilers to take a step to correct their trajectory this season.

If they don't start to get results in the next few weeks though, then all bets are off with this roster.