Edmonton Oilers: Analyzing the Arizona Coyotes Win

Snapping their 3-game losing streak, the Edmonton Oilers are finally on the winning column. What did they do right against the Arizona Coyotes?

The Edmonton Oilers finally got on the win column beating the worst team in the NHL on Monday night. It was a game that the Oilers needed to win to stop their 3-game skid. The last time these two teams faced off, the Oilers lost 1-0, and that lone goal was the first shot of the game.

That loss could be categorized as one of the low points of their miserable season. That’s why this win, even though it had to go to overtime was something that needed to be accomplished. And there was a lot to learn from this specific game.

The Arizona Coyotes did get the first goal of the game within the first 5 minutes of the first period. It seemed like a repeat of the same playbook we all witnessed back in their last matchup. The significant difference of this game was that the Edmonton Oilers responded with three goals to close out the first period.

They couldn’t maintain their momentum throughout the game and only managed to squeak a win in overtime. It was a mixed performance for the Oilers, but you can take some positives out of it.

Streak Snapped

The one thing to make a note of is that Milan Lucic finally scored a goal. It was a matter of time before his name tallied an actual goal and not just a point. The fact that he was placed on the Connor McDavid line after the trade deadline meant that Lucic would get some ample scoring opportunities.

Lucic isn’t a first line winger by any stretch of the imagination, but there should be no excuse moving forward on getting more scoring chances. We also need to acknowledge that Oscar Klefbom also ended his scoring drought with his overtime goal as well.

The main takeaway from this game is that four different Oilers scored a goal that was not named Connor McDavid. That is huge in a nutshell, but it needs to happen consistently more often. Also to make of note that the Edmonton Oilers finally scored on a power play. Even though it was in that three-goal flurry in the first period, it still needs to be acknowledged.

Adjustments

The Oilers’ power play will be a significant topic in the offseason and where they need to improve on that. A lot of their power play goals which includes their recent one in this game won’t cut it moving forward.

A lot of fans have written off this team and won’t bother analyzing the Edmonton Oilers on a game-by-game basis. Even if they aren’t in the playoff picture, we all still need to see the franchise moving forward, and that starts with the on-ice play.

Beating the worst team in hockey in overtime is depressing, especially after coughing up two goals in the third period to get it at that point. The defense will be the key to how well this team competes on a daily basis.

The Oilers will be off the next two days and be facing the New York Islanders on Thursday Night. We’ll see if they can build on their win and make it two in a row.