3 Takeaways from the last week of Oilers hockey
While the Oilers only played twice in the previous seven days, there’s still plenty to break down as we share three takeaways from the last week.
In the world of professional sports, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, and for the Edmonton Oilers, this rollercoaster season has been nothing short of a wild ride. After a much-needed victory in the Heritage Classic against their Alberta rivals, the Calgary Flames, optimism was in the air. However, that elation was short-lived as the Oilers continued their turbulent journey, falling to the Dallas Stars and the Nashville Predators in back-to-back games.
These consecutive losses have pushed the Oilers’ season record to a dismal 2-7-1, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. With only the winless San Jose Sharks performing worse in the league, the Oilers are facing an uphill battle to regain their footing in the Western Conference.
The early part of the season is crucial for setting the tone and building momentum for a successful campaign. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they have been plagued by inconsistency, struggling to find their rhythm and establish themselves as contenders. The question on everyone’s mind is: What’s causing this turbulence in Edmonton?
Star players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have shouldered an immense burden, but their brilliance alone can’t carry the team to victory every night. Depth and defensive stability are crucial for any successful NHL franchise, and these are areas where the Oilers have struggled mightily.
As the team searches for answers, fans are growing restless, and the pressure on the coaching staff and management is mounting. The loyal Oilers faithful are desperately yearning for a return to the glory days when Edmonton was a perennial contender. The team’s rich history, including their five Stanley Cup championships, is a constant reminder of what’s possible.
It’s worth noting that in a league as competitive as the NHL, a season’s trajectory can change in an instant. A winning streak could catapult the Oilers back into contention just as easily as their recent losses have sent them tumbling down the standings. However, the challenge lies in finding that winning formula and maintaining it.
The next few games will be telling for the Edmonton Oilers. Will they continue to struggle, or will they rise to the occasion and showcase their potential? The loyal fans in Oil Country are hoping for the latter, but the road ahead will undoubtedly be a challenging one.
1) Sam Gagner’s welcome back tour
In the ever-evolving world of professional hockey, a single addition to a team’s roster can often make a significant impact. For the Edmonton Oilers, this was the case when they welcomed Sam Gagner back to their lineup just in time for a week of high-stakes matchups. Gagner’s return created a palpable sense of anticipation among the fans, and it did not take long for him to remind everyone of his scoring prowess. However, despite his heroics on the ice, the Oilers still found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard against the Dallas Stars.
Gagner’s history with the Edmonton Oilers runs deep. Drafted by the team in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, he quickly became a fan favourite and established himself as a skilled playmaker. Throughout his previous stints with the Oilers, Gagner displayed an innate ability to find the back of the net, and his return was met with a mixture of nostalgia and high hopes.
In the game against the Stars, Gagner wasted no time making his presence felt. He found the back of the net twice, displaying the same scoring touch that had endeared him to the Edmonton faithful years ago. His goals were not only a testament to his individual skills, but also a sign that he was willing to take charge and make an impact.
Despite Gagner’s scoring heroics, the Oilers fell short, ultimately losing the game to the Stars. The final score might not have been what fans had hoped for, but Gagner’s performance was a glimmer of hope in a season filled with ups and downs.
The return of a familiar face in Gagner signifies a team’s willingness to adapt and improve as the season unfolds. While one player can’t be expected to carry the entire team, Gagner’s contribution, both in terms of his skill on the ice and his leadership in the locker room, can make a significant difference.
2) Trouble killing penalties
The Edmonton Oilers, a team with a storied history and passionate fan base, are off to a franchise-worst start to the season. With a dismal 2-7-1 record in the early stages, a multitude of factors have contributed to their struggles. However, one glaring issue that stands out is their struggling penalty kill. It’s a critical component of any successful team’s arsenal, and for the Oilers, it’s been nothing short of a liability this season.
In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, a strong penalty kill is often the difference between victory and defeat. For the Oilers, this crucial aspect of their game has been lacking. The numbers don’t lie. Edmonton finds themselves near the bottom of the league in penalty-killing efficiency, a stark contrast to their performance in recent seasons.
The penalty kill is an area where a team’s defensive prowess is put to the challenge. It’s a test of character, skill, and teamwork, and the Oilers have struggled to pass it. Effective penalty-killing units require disciplined positioning, shot-blocking, clear communication, and a reliable goaltender. Unfortunately, the Oilers have found themselves lacking in some, if not all, of these areas.
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Against the Stars and Predators the Oilers were a combined 2-for-6 in the penalty kill. When their goaltending is near the bottom of the league, the penalty killers have to step up to aide in this troublesome stat.
Penalties can change the momentum of a game in an instant. When a team is unable to successfully kill off these infractions, it puts added pressure on the rest of the squad. The Oilers’ inability to do so has been a significant contributing factor to their early-season woes.
To pinpoint the root of the problem, one must consider various aspects, such as player personnel, coaching strategies, and special teams coordination. The Oilers will need to assess whether their current roster has the necessary components to excel in the penalty-killing department, and if not, consider potential lineup changes or acquisitions to address this critical issue.
3) Goalie tandem is abysmal
As the NHL season kicked off, the Edmonton Oilers and their devoted fan base harboured renewed hope for what the campaign could hold. A significant part of that optimism was centred around the expectation that goaltender Jack Campbell would be better. However, as the season has unfolded, it’s become evident that Campbell’s preseason success has yet to manifest in the regular season.
Unfortunately, the transition from the preseason to the regular season has not been seamless for Campbell. The dazzling saves and shutout performances that Oilers fans witnessed in exhibition games have proven elusive when it truly counts. The result is a rollercoaster of emotions for fans who had placed their faith in the goaltender to bring success to Oil Country.
Campbell, a goaltender with an established track record of success, possesses the talent and work ethic needed to overcome these early-season obstacles. Every player faces slumps and adversity at various points in their career, and it’s often the response to these challenges that defines their character.
The struggles of Campbell have led the Edmonton Oilers to once again turn to their sophomore netminder, Stuart Skinner. This decision comes with a sense of caution, as Skinner’s performance in the previous playoffs did not meet expectations. The Oilers’ goaltending tandem, comprised of Campbell and Skinner, currently holds a goals-against average of 4.10, which places them as third-worst in the league in this statistical category.
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While the team is facing challenges in the net, it’s essential to recognise that the Oilers’ defensive unit has not been offering substantial support to their goaltenders. This places added pressure on Campbell, Skinner, and any other netminder who takes the crease, as they are forced to make every save count. To achieve success, the Oilers will need to address their defensive shortcomings and find a balance between providing their goalies with better protection and improving their overall performance.