NHL accused of showing bias to Edmonton Oilers over strange schedule aspect

The Oilers unveiled their full schedule for the 2025-26 season including their important dates - plotting their long 82 game grind back until the meaningful games begin.

The Oilers' schedule is rather intense all season, especially to make up for the long break for the Olympics in February. As a result, the Oilers play only 8 of their first 24 games. It's a very tough start to the season, which hopefully doesn't put them in a hole.

On the flip side the Oilers will have a very relaxed travel schedule in the back half of the season, which could give them significant advantage to rest up before the playoffs.

The Oilers usually are one of the most travel-heavy teams due to their location in the Western Conference, but before the new year, the Oilers will be done in the Eastern Time Zone.

Some fans seeing the Oilers get such a beneficial schedule in the home stretch of the year are actually arguing that Bettman and the NHL are trying to help out the Oilers prepare for the playoffs.

It's hardly believable that the NHL would be helping a Canadian team try to win a Stanley Cup, considering the drought since 1993. If the Oilers finally get over the hump this year, it will be because they've earned it - nothing to do with a schedule.