How The Edmonton Oilers Are Going To Get Out Of This Slump

The Edmonton Oilers are not playing great hockey right now – at least compared to where they were at the beginning of the season. The team has not been able to get the job done since coming back from the pause, and now one has to wonder how they are going to get out of this mess.

While a lot of people have called for a coaching change, that probably is not going to happen. This Oilers group needs to figure it out fast. The Oilers’ past three losses all have something in common, something the team most definitely can fix. Let’s go over three commonalities between the last three losses.

The Oilers have been outshot.

I think this is the easiest judgment for an offensive team. Edmonton hasn’t controlled possession enough or shot the puck enough the past few games. Yes, they haven’t been outshot by a great amount, but they still need to control this area. Edmonton usually is a puck possession team making opponents look silly out on the ice, but they haven’t been doing it all game as of late. This brings me to my next point.

The Oilers did not score a power-play goal.

Edmonton has not had a lot of opportunities on the power play, but they should be able to capitalize on a few chances while up on the man advantage. During their past three games, the team has had just three power-play opportunities. By driving possession and frustrating opponents maybe they can draw a few more penalties. The Oilers need their power play to be productive to win games. It is great for a momentum swing and a goal for a confident team.

The Oilers gave up a power-play goal.

The Oilers have been shorthanded a lot during their past three matchups. They have 18 minutes of penalty minutes across the past three games, that is no way to win. During those three games, they have given up a power-play goal every time. Being more disciplined and playing to the team’s strengths is the only way the Oilers are going to get out of this slump.

The Oilers making a coaching change is not going to happen at this time. While fans might be calling for one, they are not there yet. But it is not unimaginable that we could see a few trades before the end of the month if the team does not start winning.