Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers take on the Chicago Blackhawks with hopes of evening their record at 1-1. After a tough 6-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the season opener, the Oilers will need to make key adjustments to secure a win. Here are three crucial factors that could determine the outcome of Game 2.
1. Goaltending: Time for Pickard to Step Up
With Calvin Pickard starting in goal tonight, the pressure is on for him to deliver a strong performance. After Stuart Skinner was pulled in the season opener following a rough outing, Pickard has the opportunity to seize the moment and provide the Oilers with a solid showing in net.
Calvin Pickard shut the ‘Hawks out last year (the 15th of Edmonton’s 16 straight wins) and will get the start tonight, meaning Skinner will go tomorrow vs CGY.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) October 12, 2024
I’ll be with @LouDeBrusk & @ScottOake on @hockeynight at 8:10 MT. pic.twitter.com/2j0jKQRioI
Pickard needs to be sharp from the start, especially against a Chicago team with rookie sensation Connor Bedard eager to make an impact. If Pickard can limit early goals and give Edmonton a chance to settle into their game, it will set the foundation for success. A strong outing from Pickard could be just what the Oilers need to get back on track.
2. Better Defensive Play
Allowing six goals in any game is a recipe for disaster, and it highlights the need for the Oilers to tighten up defensively. Whether it’s bad coverage, poor positioning, or sloppy puck management, Edmonton’s defensive issues were on full display against Winnipeg.
Limiting Chicago’s chances will be essential. That means reducing turnovers, keeping a close eye on players like Connor Bedard, and playing a smarter, more structured defensive game. The Oilers' blueliners, in particular, need to step up and offer better support to their goaltender. If the defense can hold strong and limit Chicago’s scoring chances, the Oilers will find themselves in a much better position to win.
3. Maybe Score A Goal?
While goaltending and defense are critical, it’s pretty hard to win a game when you don’t score any goals. The Oilers have one of the most dangerous offensive lineups in the NHL, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but they were completely shut down in the opener. Scoring shouldn’t be a problem for this team, but Game 1 was an uncharacteristic performance from their high-octane offense.
Edmonton needs to get back to playing fast, aggressive hockey and using their speed and skill to overwhelm the Blackhawks' defense. Whether it’s generating more high-danger chances, controlling the puck in the offensive zone, or capitalizing on power play opportunities, the Oilers must find a way to light the lamp tonight.
If Edmonton can shore up their defense, get better goaltending, and rediscover their offensive touch, they have a strong chance of defeating the Chicago Blackhawks and evening their record.