NHL · March 13, 2026

Edmonton Oilers @ St. Louis Blues

Free LineCrush game report for Edmonton Oilers @ St. Louis Blues on March 13, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.

Matchup Analysis

Oilers Missing Key Depth Pieces

Edmonton enters without center Mattias Janmark (season-ending surgery as of March 6), while Colton Dach (day-to-day as of March 12) and Curtis Lazar (out until at least April 2) remain sidelined. These absences thin the middle-six forward group, forcing reliance on McDavid and Draisaitl to carry offensive production.

McDavid Hand Injury Speculation

Rumors suggest Connor McDavid may be managing a hand injury sustained at the Olympics, with his ring and middle fingers reportedly taped together. With no clear timeline for his return, McDavid's availability and effectiveness could significantly impact Edmonton's offensive output.

Blues' Revolving Injury Door

St. Louis continues battling injury issues, with Jonathan Drouin (non-injury related) expected out through at least March 13, and Torey Krug sidelined for the season. The team's recent history of middle-line injuries (Thomas, Suter, Joseph, Sundqvist from January reports) has created consistency problems in depth.

Power Play Concerns for Both Teams

The Blues ranked 26th in power-play success (16.3%) as of late January with key playmakers sidelined. Edmonton's depth challenges also limit special teams consistency, making even-strength play potentially decisive in a matchup where both teams are dealing with personnel losses.

Pick Ideas

Depth Advantage Play

Both teams are injury-depleted, but Edmonton's loss of Janmark and uncertainty around McDavid could favor St. Louis if they can stay healthy in forward depth relative to the visitor.

Under on Scoring

With both teams missing key contributors and power-play struggles evident, a lower-scoring game may favor unders if defensive play tightens due to limited offensive weapons.

McDavid Props with Caution

If McDavid is active, monitor his tape status closely; hand injuries can suppress even elite playmakers' assist totals given reduced stick flexibility and control.