On the same night the Detroit Red Wings saw their 25-year streak of playoff appearances come to a close, the Edmonton Oilers broke their own trend.

For Connor McDavid and Co., however, things are on the upswing.

Topping the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Tuesday, the Oilers secured their first postseason berth since 2005-06 when they ended the year with a Stanley Cup Finals defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes -- and when McDavid was not yet 10 years old.

Edmonton’s win not only solidifies that the fast-paced Oilers would make for a thrilling title contender but also guaranteed trips to the playoffs for both the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, who have had differing levels of success over the course of the month.

With the Oilers, Ducks and Sharks all locked into the playoff picture, half of the NHL’s 16 Stanley Cup contenders are set. Others who have already clinched include the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.

Update: As of Wednesday morning, the New York Rangers had also clinched a playoff berth, locking up a seventh straight trip to the postseason after an overtime loss to San Jose.