3 Things Oilers should be worried about despite Heritage Classic win
Despite the Edmonton Oilers getting a much-needed win versus the Calgary Flames, there’s still plenty for the fans to be concerned about.
Before we get into this, let’s be clear in stating the Edmonton Oilers impressed in the Heritage Classic Battle of Alberta. They more than deserved their 5-2 win versus the Calgary Flames.
However, as much as the victory gives something to build on, there’s still plenty to do. As of Thursday morning, the Oilers are tied with the Flames for the second-fewest points in the entire NHL.
Yes, a winning run has to start somewhere, and we know this team is capable of so much more than they have shown so far in 2023-24. However, the Oilers still need to deal with the three following concerns, in order to get on track and become the Stanley Cup contenders they were predicted to be preseason:
1) Lack of consistency and focus
One of the few negatives about the Oilers’ win over the Flames, was giving up two goals when they seemed to be in control of the game. And the argument that both came on the penalty kill, while reasonable, only holds up to a certain point.
The reason for this, is that both Flames goals came when they had just one second left on the power play. Some would call this just plain unlucky, while others would point to an underlying issue for the Oilers.
To give up just one goal with a second left on the penalty kill is one thing, but twice alludes to something more concerning. More specifically, that the Oilers were lacking focus at key points in the game.
The idea is to remain zoned in on the task at hand, until it has been completed. And really, this has been a problem for the Oilers repeatedly throughout their first eight games of the season.
Further, the lack of focus ties in with the Oilers’ struggling for consistency thus far. Together, they’re a lethal combination which can quite easily derail any hope for a deep run come playoff time. (Or, dare we say it, making the playoffs full stop.)
One of the main examples of the lack of focus and consistency, came in the game versus the Jets. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead and dominating, the Oilers didn’t take full advantage and eventually fell 3-2 in overtime.
Another example came in Minnesota, albeit more on the focus side (and also alluding to their defensive frailties, which we’ll get to). Despite entering the final period with a 3-2 lead, the Oilers totally fell apart and allowed five goals in what was ultimately a 7-4 loss.
Of course, pointing to a lack of focus and consistency is one thing; actually doing something about it is another matter entirely. However, it will make all the difference, if the Oilers are to return to their winning ways of recent seasons.
2) Mattias Ekholm and the blue line
When Mattias Ekholm arrived in Edmonton from Nashville in a trade last season, it proved to be a watershed moment for the Oilers. The team finished the regular season with a phenomenal 18-2-1 run, to clinch 50 wins for the first time since 1986-87.
More importantly, Ekholm’s arrival shored up the blue line and overall defensive play, with the average goals allowed per contest dropping from 3.34 to 2.67. On an individual level, he also helped Evan Bouchard improve both his confidence and level of play.
In this respect, Ekholm and Bouchard highlight everything which has gone wrong defensively for the Oilers up to this point of the 2023-24 campaign. At the time of posting, the team has the second-worst goals against average in the NHL.
The goalie tandem of Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have had their issues at times, but the reality is they’ve also been hung out to dry too many times by their teammates. In fact if it wasn’t for the duo, several of the final scorelines would have been even more ugly this season. (Skinner’s performance in the 3-0 loss to the Rangers in particular comes to mind.)
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For Ekholm, his poor start to the season was impacted by a hip flexor injury he suffered during his offseason training program. He ended up missing all of the preseason games and the disastrous season-opener in Vancouver.
Due to this, the 33-year-old has struggled to find his form, even though coach Jay Woodcroft was initially confident he would be fine right out of the gate. And even though the player finally looked like himself against the Flames, keep in mind this is just one game, and against another team which has also looked poor up to this point.
The knock-on effect of Ekholm’s struggles, has been the form of Bouchard. As much as he is proving to be an excellent offensive threat, he’s made far too many costly mistakes at the defensive end of the ice.
Another player who was expected to perform well but has struggled, is Darnell Nurse. As an overall result, a lot of fingers have been pointed at the Oilers’ deployment of a new defensive zone coverage prior to this season.
However, while there have indeed been some struggles with the change, it was always going to take time to adjust (and is gradually shown some progress). In truth, the majority of the goals have come as a result of mistakes, many of which could have easily been avoided; again, this alludes to the previously mentioned lack of focus and consistency which can, and must, be resolved.
3) Connor Brown
It feels somewhat unfair, to ‘pick’ on Connor Brown specifically, when it comes to the lack of secondary scoring by the Oilers. However, in many ways he is the poster child for the overall lack of an offensive threat so far in 2023-24.
Through eight games, Brown does not have a single, solitary point. As much as he has typically been a complimentary scorer as opposed to one of the main threats on a team, this just isn’t acceptable.
There has been some understandable concern that the 29-year-old might still be recovering from his anterior cruciate ligament issue. The injury limited him to just four games last season, before he underwent season-ending surgery.
As much as this would make sense, you do also have to wonder if this — combined with Brown’s age — means he will not be able to get back to his previous standards? As unfortunate as this would be, it’s something which has to be addressed sooner than later.
There is also the more pressing matter of the winger’s pending bonus. Once he reaches 10 games he will be due another $3.225 million, which will go against next season’s cap.
As a result it’s been suggested, among other things, that Brown should be placed on waivers. However, the reality is this is extremely unlikely to happen.
Whether it be certain prominent members of the local media or the team themselves, the indication is that the former Toronto Maple Leaf isn’t going anywhere. As Woodcroft said recently, they are effectively preaching patience when it comes to the player’s progress after his injury and surgery.
Of course this is admirable and speaks volumes about the sense of loyalty and perspective within the organisation. Regardless, Brown needs to get his act together sooner, as he’s becoming an increasing liability with every passing game.
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There are other concerns which can be pointed towards, but overall, the Oilers still have plenty to do in order to become genuine contenders. First things first though, we’ll see if they can carry over the momentum from their Heritage Classic win, into Thursday night’s home game versus a dangerous Dallas Stars team.