The Edmonton Oilers are in the middle of a tight playoff race in the Western Conference. Making the postseason appears as though they are about to become more difficult more information on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins injury has come to light. Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft announced that Nugent-Hopkins is considered week-to-week with an upper body injury,

Nugent-Hopkins sustained the injury during Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. He missed Sunday's 2-1 loss at Carolina, as well as Tuesday's shutout win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Oilers are currently third in the Pacific Division. Under the relatively new playoff format, the top three teams from each division automatically earn a postseason berth. Then, the two best records remaining earn the two wild card spots. Edmonton is only two points behind the Los Angeles Kings for second in the Pacific, but are also only one point ahead of the Las Vegas Golden Knights and four points ahead of the Anaheim Ducks.

It will likely come down to the final games of the season. Playing the majority of what's left without Nugent-Hopkins will make it that much harder for the Oilers to clinch a spot.

Nugent-Hopkins is the team's third leading scorer with 37 points in 45 games this season. He trails only superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid in scoring for the team. Even though Nugent-Hopkins' goal scoring is down this season, his veteran presence will be missed.

But the Oilers power play might take the biggest hit. Nugent-Hopkins has 16 power play assists this season and is one of the better play-makers in odd-man situations.