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Edmonton Oilers: Can the Blue Line and Leon Draisaitl Be Difference Makers?

By Warsame A

EDMONTON, AB - NOVEMBER 13: Leon Draisaitl #29 and Drake Caggiula #91 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate after a goal during the game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 13, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - NOVEMBER 13: Leon Draisaitl #29 and Drake Caggiula #91 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate after a goal during the game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 13, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The 4-game losing streak ended last night at Rogers Place for the Edmonton Oilers with a score of 6-2 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Edmonton Oilers finally snapped their 4-game losing streak last night against the Montreal Canadiens. This is was a must win for the team as not only they were slipping in the standings but were also wallowing in mediocrity as well.

For a franchise that was doing well last month to fall off a cliff the past week suddenly is astonishing. Even though the Oilers did win last night, they still have a lot of things they need to address. One big part of it, unfortunately, is the blue line, which has been the Achilles heel since last season.

All three defensemen: Matt Benning, Darnell Nurse, and Kris Russell all scored a goal last night. It was a welcoming sight since all three players haven’t produced anything since the season started. The inconsistencies of the blue line especially when it comes down to sloppy checks, mistimed passes which leads to odd-man rushes or scoring goals is head scratching.

This performance from all three players should be a wake-up call that they play an essential role in the success of this franchise. If they can’t be a difference maker in a hockey game, this franchise has no shot in getting to the playoffs.

The surprising change was inserting Leon Draisaitl into the Connor McDavid line. Not quite sure if this is a long-term fix to rejuvenate Draisaitl or it’s to allow Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to bring more consistency on the second line. One thing the Edmonton Oilers should try out shortly is having both Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the second line.

McDavid could manage with Drake Caggiula and another winger on his line for the short term. It’ll give some balance on the first two lines and come some offensive consistently going if the blue line falters during games.

The Edmonton Oilers have three days off before they face off against their provincial rival the Calgary Flames. Can they maintain their momentum?

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