The Edmonton Oilers have been in what feels like a free fall for a while now, currently in the midst of a three game losing streak.
During this span, the team has blown two, 2-0 leads and dropped their Saturday night game against the Colorado Avalanche in a devastating 9-1 loss. In the aftermath of the game, pundits and fans were obviously upset with the team, it's players, and the coaching staff.
After the recent skid, the Oilers dropped from a playoff spot and their record fell to 6-6-4 and are seventh in the Pacific Division and sit two points back from a Western Conference wild card spot.
Oilers vs Blue Jackets preview
Now, as the Oilers are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, they will look to change their fortunes and come away with a win. The Blue Jackets themselves are on a losing streak, having lost their last three in a row as well.
They sit last (eighth) in their Metropolitan Division, sitting four points back from a wild card spot in the East.
It will be a battle to see which team rises to the top in this outing, both should be able to come out highly motivated given their recent efforts. Although, the Blue Jackets have a lot lower expectations this season than the Oilers so they should be able to come away with the win.
Players to watch
Stuart Skinner
It feels like a cop out to always include the goaltenders in this but given the spotlight on the Oilers crease and their poor performances this season, it feels fitting. Barring near elite performance from Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard, it feels like the team is destined to make a change in net at some point before the 2026 Trade Deadline. Maybe Skinner can turn his year around starting in this game?
Trent Frederic
There has been no shortage of ink spilled covering the struggles that have befallen Oilers deadline acquisition, Trent Frederic this season. So far, he has scored one goal through 16 games this season and will hope to turn his season around very soon.
Connor McDavid
Speaking to the media ahead of this matchup, the Oilers captain Connor McDavid told reporters "enough is enough here. We gotta find a way to just put a good game together." This of course puts the spotlight even more on the captain to lead by example, which he has done in his recent stretch. Over the past four games he has scoured eight points (two goals, six assists). Hopefully, he can rally the team to get back in the win column.