The Edmonton Oilers have been in desperate need of an upgraded defensive game. That is what general manager Stan Bowman sought to accomplish this year and that is what he has done, on paper.
Entering the year with a controversial goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, after replacing their goaltending coach, the club gave them one last shot. After a few rough months, the Oilers have now completely swapped their tandem with Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram.
Following that, the Oilers have made two more moves to acquire a defensive defenceman, in right-handed Connor Murphy and a shutdown third line centre, Jason Dickinson. In between all of these over the Olympic break, the Oilers added Paul Coffey back to their coaching staff to assist in straightening out their defensive game.
Oilers defensive game still a work in progress
Despite all of their efforts to address the defensive group, it continues to be a rough spot and things are not looking up. Since returning from the Olympic break, the Oilers are 2-3-0 and have allowed four or more goals against in four out of five games.
Even after their major acquisitions to their defensive group, the club dropped their game against the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. Highlighting not only their depth scoring issues but also their inability to keep the puck out of the net.
In terms of the defensive metrics this year, the Oilers sit ninth in terms of shot attempts against per 60 minutes at five on five, 20th in expected goals against per 60, and 27th in goals against per 60. It is clear that the club is having issues curbing quality chances against and as a result, keeping the puck out of their net.
Oilers must improve down the stretch
The recent moves, trading away a first round pick and second round pick for two rentals, general manager Stan Bowman and the Oilers are clearly pushing all of their chips in to try and win a Stanley Cup. There were rumours of the Oilers being in on other players but no other move came to fruition, which could prove to be a huge mistake.
If the Oilers are serious about wanting to win this season, they have 19 games left to figure out their defensive play. As of right now, they sit in the final spot in the Pacific Division playoff picture with multiple teams right on their heels.
The pressure is on, the Oilers brass have done all they can this season and there are no more trades to bail the team out. This is the Oilers team that will compete for a Stanley Cup as they try to push to make the Finals for a third straight season.