Oil On Whyte
Fansided

Falling Short: Identifying the Oilers Responsible for the Disappointing Second Round Exit

By Almar Reyes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 12: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights goes after a loose puck before scoring a first-period goal against Nick Bjugstad #72 and Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 12: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights goes after a loose puck before scoring a first-period goal against Nick Bjugstad #72 and Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2022-2023 NHL season with high hopes and aspirations of making a deep playoff run. Led by their dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who had exceptional regular seasons, the team looked poised to make a strong push in the postseason. However, their journey came to a disappointing end with a second-round playoff exit.

Throughout the regular season, the Oilers showcased their offensive firepower, finishing atop the league in goals scored. McDavid and Draisaitl proved once again why they are considered two of the best players in the NHL, consistently lighting up the scoreboard and providing a formidable threat to opposing teams. The team’s success indicated they had the necessary tools to make a deep playoff run.

Oilers Elimination Is An Obvious Disappointment

The second-round playoff exit left fans and players disappointed, as they had hoped for a longer postseason journey. Questions arose about the team’s overall depth and defensive capabilities, as they struggled to contain opposing offenses throughout the playoffs. While McDavid and Draisaitl continued to shine individually, the lack of support from the rest of the roster became a noticeable factor in the team’s ultimate downfall.

This disappointing end to the season serves as a reminder that success in the playoffs requires more than just star power. It highlights the need for a well-rounded team, with a strong defensive core and contributions from all lines. The Oilers’ management will undoubtedly evaluate the team’s performance and make necessary adjustments in the offseason to address these shortcomings.

It is important to note that hockey is a team sport, and success in the playoffs relies on the contributions of the entire roster. However, when the postseason arrived, these Oilers seemed to have disappeared which was one of the main reasons for a disappointing end to their season.

Home/Analysis