Studs and duds from the first three Edmonton Oilers' games this season

After coming just two goals short of hoisting the Stanley Cup last season, the Edmonton Oilers have officially opened a new chapter in their quest for glory. With high hopes and significant expectations, the team has entered the 2024 season with a burning desire to learn from past mistakes and make a deep playoff run. However, the early games have revealed some major flaws that plagued the team during their previous campaign. While it’s still early in the season, the Oilers must remain focused on their ultimate goal while addressing these concerns head-on.

As the season unfolds, it will be vital for the Oilers to maintain their focus and commitment to improvement. The early games serve as both a wake-up call and an opportunity to refine their strategy. Head coach Jay Woodcroft will need to address the defensive lapses and emphasize the importance of team cohesion on both ends of the ice. Establishing a solid defensive system while maintaining their offensive prowess will be crucial for success. The coaching staff must also foster a sense of accountability among players, ensuring that everyone is committed to contributing to both the offense and defense.

While the Edmonton Oilers have faced challenges in their first three games, there are reasons for optimism as they work to correct course. With their talented roster and determination to succeed, the Oilers can still achieve their ultimate goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup if they learn from their early-season mistakes and continue to build on their strengths. The road ahead may be bumpy, but the Oilers have the potential to make this season memorable, especially if they can address their defensive shortcomings and find the right balance as they chase the ultimate prize. The journey has just begun, and the excitement for what lies ahead is palpable among players and fans alike.

STUD - Jeff Skinner

After being bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, forward Jeff Skinner decided to sign with the Edmonton Oilers in hopes of making a deep playoff run. Known for his offensive abilities, Skinner aimed to add some firepower to a team with serious postseason aspirations. While the Oilers have struggled in the past three games, losing all three, Skinner has begun to show flashes of the scoring touch that Oilers fans in "Oil Country" were hoping to see.

Skinner's first significant contribution came on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Though the Oilers didn't come away with a win, Skinner notched his first point as an Oiler, assisting on a key play that kept his team competitive throughout the game. This assist was a sign that Skinner was getting more comfortable in the Oilers' system and starting to find his rhythm on the ice.

The following day, in a highly anticipated matchup against their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames, Skinner made an even bigger impact. Just minutes into the game, he opened the scoring, netting his first goal in Oilers colors. The goal was a classic Skinner finish—quick, precise, and reflective of the scoring instincts that have made him a dangerous player throughout his NHL career.

Though the Oilers' recent results haven’t been ideal, Jeff Skinner’s performances in these back-to-back games signal that he could emerge as a critical piece in Edmonton’s playoff push. His experience, offensive instincts, and ability to score are already making a difference on the ice. As the Oilers seek to reverse their current struggles and climb up the standings, Skinner’s contributions will be essential to their success. If he can continue building on these early flashes of brilliance, the Oilers may have found the offensive boost they need, and fans in Edmonton are eager to see more from him.

DUD - Goaltending woes

For years, the Edmonton Oilers have been haunted by inconsistent goaltending, a problem that has often derailed their playoff hopes. This issue became glaringly obvious early last season, as the team stumbled out of the gate, leading to a head coaching change in an attempt to salvage the year. Unfortunately for Oilers fans, the same goaltending woes have resurfaced at the start of this season, as the team has dropped its first three games.

Stuart Skinner, who was inconsistent in the playoffs last year, managed to help guide the Oilers to a Game 7 appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. However, his early season performances have been concerning. Through the first three games, Skinner has allowed eight goals on just 41 shots, looking lost and struggling to find his rhythm between the pipes. The team’s goaltending struggles have put immediate pressure on the Oilers’ offense, which has also stumbled out of the gate.

The Oilers' offense, led by stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has always been a driving force, but even the best offensive teams need solid goaltending to compete. When the offense fails to fire on all cylinders early in the season, a poor showing from Skinner in net compounds the team’s problems, making it nearly impossible to build momentum. If the Oilers hope to reach their ultimate goal of once again competing for the Stanley Cup, they will need Skinner to step up and perform at a much higher level.

With the season still in its early stages, there is time for both Stuart Skinner and the Oilers to regain their footing. However, if the goaltending situation doesn’t improve soon, Edmonton could quickly find themselves in a deeper hole, facing mounting pressure to fix their defensive issues. A prolonged struggle in net could force the Oilers’ management to make difficult decisions regarding their roster, potentially exploring trades or lineup changes to salvage their season. To keep their championship aspirations alive, they’ll need Skinner to stabilize his game before the situation spirals out of control. The clock is already ticking.

DUD - Penalty Kill

For much of last season and throughout the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers were dominant when it came to killing penalties. Their success on the penalty kill was a testament to their commitment on defense and their ability to lock down opponents when playing shorthanded. This strength was a key factor in the team’s ability to stay competitive and push deep into the postseason. However, this season has been a different story, as the Oilers have struggled significantly in this area, giving up a worrying number of goals on the penalty kill.

The Oilers’ issues on the penalty kill have been glaring in the early part of the season and must be resolved quickly if they hope to stay in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. Opponents have been able to exploit gaps in Edmonton’s penalty-killing unit, and the team has lacked the same level of defensive organization that helped them excel last year. Whether it's a breakdown in communication or players being out of position, the Oilers' penalty kill has become a glaring weakness that other teams are looking to exploit.

A major factor in this decline could be the absence of two key defensemen, Cody Ceci and Vincent Desharnais, who logged significant minutes on the penalty kill last season. Both players were instrumental in shutting down opposing power plays, and their departure has left a noticeable gap on the blue line. The Oilers have yet to find a consistent replacement for the defensive presence these two brought, and it appears the team is still adjusting to life without them.

For Edmonton to resolve their penalty-killing woes, they will need to make defensive adjustments and rely on other players to step up and fill the void. The Oilers cannot afford to continue struggling in this area if they hope to compete for the Stanley Cup this season. Fixing the penalty kill must be a top priority moving forward.