The Edmonton Oilers have once again started the campaign off on a slow note. And yes, the fanbase is expressing frustration with the team, due to expecting them to begin the season more positively than last.
However, here we are again. To be fair, the Oilers squad may still be shaking off the jitters from last season's bitter loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. One reason may be the amount of pressure the media has put on the team since August of the off-season, and now they are trying their best to regroup from the scrutiny.
Where did the coaching staff go wrong, in preparing the team as professionals to win games nightly and get the roster's chemistry going? Most importantly, why is the top-six lineup of the Oilers squad struggling to score goals, except for Jeff Skinner, who has had an excellent start to his campaign?
A repeat of last season for the Oilers?
Suppose history from last year is repeating itself. In that case, we should eventually see a pick-up and, more importantly, a more aggressive game from the Oilers forwards. This will come with more familiarity with each other's game, particularly with the new additions to the team. Not to mention, the team must surely have amassed a more desperate attitude, with a tough first week now in the books.
This Oilers should be warmed up after six games, and the statement should be made to define the team's ability as a powerhouse. More so, the strengths of the team in general. If they do so, will they happen to go on a winning streak?
What game plan will the coaching staff have to come up with, to get the players more comfortable with their respective games? What would be the perfect game plan for the coaching staff to utilize and contribute to the team's needs, allowing the players on the roster to take advantage?
Ups and downs a normal part of the NHL season
This team will have other downs throughout the season, but as with this current struggles, they cannot let it disrupt the focus of the players on the ultimate goal. They need to get to a point when they are winning games more regularly and giving the fans something to look forward to when the post-season approaches, to take a run at the 025 NHL Stanley Cup.
In the past two games, the Oilers team was comfortable on-ice and had the flow of puck movement to their advantage. However, they came up short in a tough loss against the Stars in Dallas.
Skinner has fit into the club most successfully, with Victor Arvidsson beginning to find his feet and skating well with the puck. Connor McDavid is getting around the ice without problems, and Leon Draisaitl is also returning to form.
Zach Hyman needs to step up his game after scoring no goals in the opening six games, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as a leader, needs to take charge and ownership of the team's struggles. This Oilers squad needs to be held more accountable for how they are playing, and the essential need for the team in general is to start winning games.
The bottom six of the lineup are doing their best to support the defence and the top six. However, the team not clicking as a unit might be the most frustrating part of all this, and they must unite to begin winning more frequently.
The Edmonton Oilers are a rock and must use their strength to overpower the teams they play against. They also need to display better discipline and not take careless penalties during games. If they do, they can be expected to break out of their slump and go on a winning streak