The Edmonton Oilers finished the month of October in a great position.
The Edmonton Oilers were 6-1-0 on the month picking up 12 points along the way. That record is second best in the Pacific behind only the Calgary Flames who are 6-1-1. I do not think many thought the Flames would be this hot from the start,
The Oilers season has been one of success thus far. While there have been some weaknesses in their game, they remain one of the top teams in the division and the league in its entirety. Let’s talk about five key thoughts from the month of October.
1. Connor McDavid Continues To Impress
Never will get tired of watching McDavid play. Through the first eight games, the Oilers great has 16 points including seven goals and nine assists. Through eight games he is playing at a two-point per game pace, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
McDavid is scoring goals and creating offense in soo many different ways, and with offseason additions like Zach Hyman, there is no telling how many points he will be put in 2021-22.
2. Koskinen Answers The Call
Mike Smith has been out with an injury, and Koskinen answered the call. In nine games he has a .934 save percentage. That is all he has to do to stay in the net with this team. While talking about some different goaltenders who could start is key, Koskinen is easing the pressure off to make a move.
3. Division Favorite?
As of now, despite the great start from the Flames, the Oilers are the favorite in the Pacific Division. With Vegas struggling out of the gate, Edmonton definitely is the top contender from the division. Seeing how the Oilers answer this month as a favorite will be important. The team cannot just go five hundred this month. If they want to be a playoff team with home ice, they need to continue to win as many games as possible.
4. Surprises
Jesse Puljujarvi’s great start was not expected, but he was not the only great start from the season. Kassian and Foegele have nine points combined, and the defence has looked pretty good during some key moments for this team.
5. Bring On November
The Oilers are ready for a grind this season. The first seven games have included some time off in between games, and the busier schedule in November is going to be a critical com[onent for this team. There are a lot of tough opponents left to come with 13 games during November, and I cannot wait to watch it all godown.
The first game of the month is tonight against the Seattle Kraken. The first between those two teams in franchise history.