Studs and duds from an exciting past 3 games for the Oilers

The last three games for the Edmonton Oilers have been nothing short of a roller coaster, taking fans through the highs and lows of a tumultuous week. Starting with a crushing 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Oilers not only struggled on the scoreboard but also suffered a significant blow when star player Connor McDavid exited with a high ankle injury. With McDavid’s status uncertain, questions arose about the team’s ability to handle the challenges ahead and maintain their competitiveness in his absence.

In response, the Oilers showed resilience and a renewed focus in their next two games, facing off against the Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames. These matchups became a proving ground for the team, who needed to step up and show they could succeed without their cornerstone player. Rising to the occasion, they played with grit and determination, outscoring both opponents and proving that they are capable of being a dominant force, even in the face of adversity. Key players emerged to shoulder the load, filling the offensive gap left by McDavid’s absence and showcasing the depth of Edmonton’s roster.

The past week has highlighted both the challenges and the resilience of the Oilers. From a sobering loss to a revitalizing response, the team demonstrated their potential to adapt and thrive, no matter the obstacles. Here’s a closer look at the standout performances, the players who rose to the occasion, and those who still have room for improvement as Edmonton continues its pursuit of a strong season.

STUD - Leon Draisaitl

When McDavid left the ice during the game against the Blue Jackets and didn’t return, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the Oilers’ season. The news that McDavid would be out for at least two-three weeks left a gaping hole in Edmonton’s lineup, and all eyes turned to Leon Draisaitl, the team’s other superstar, to shoulder the load. It was clear that, if Edmonton was to stay competitive, Draisaitl would have to elevate his game and lead the way.

Draisaitl rose to the challenge, sparking the Oilers’ offence in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. He lit up the scoreboard with two goals and added an assist, showcasing his ability to be the offensive catalyst the team needed. His aggressive play and precision helped re-energize the Oilers, who looked focused and determined, regaining their momentum after the disappointing loss to Columbus. Draisaitl’s performance against Nashville reminded fans and teammates alike that he is more than capable of carrying the team in McDavid’s absence.

The momentum continued on Sunday as Draisaitl once again took centre stage, this time against the Oilers' Alberta rivals, the Calgary Flames. In a hard-fought 4-2 victory, he scored a goal and contributed two assists, solidifying his role as the leader Edmonton needs right now. With Draisaitl at the helm, the Oilers have proven that they can rally through adversity, and as McDavid recovers, Draisaitl’s elevated play will be crucial in keeping the Oilers on track in the weeks ahead.

DUD - Stuart Skinner

The early season has been rough for Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, whose inconsistency has raised concerns about Edmonton's stability in net. His struggles were glaring in the recent blowout loss to Columbus, where Skinner allowed six goals on just 25 shots, resulting in a save percentage of .760. In a game where the Oilers were already reeling from McDavid’s injury, Skinner’s shaky performance compounded their difficulties, leaving the team vulnerable and unable to gain traction.

Despite a rebound win over the Flames on Sunday, Skinner’s play remains a point of concern as Edmonton looks to stay competitive without their star player. The victory offered some redemption, but it was clear that Skinner has yet to find his rhythm this season. With McDavid out, the pressure is mounting for the entire roster to step up, and for Skinner, this means finding consistency and confidence in the crease. The Oilers can't afford any more high-scoring games that test their defence and offence alike, especially as they navigate this challenging stretch without their offensive anchor.

To remain in contention, Edmonton needs a collective effort, and that includes reliable play from their goaltender. Skinner has shown flashes of his potential, but now faces the task of stepping up and providing the stable backstop that the Oilers desperately need. As the team leans more heavily on players like Draisaitl, strong, dependable goaltending from Skinner will be crucial in holding the line and giving Edmonton a fighting chance until McDavid returns.

STUD - Secondary scoring

Losing a superstar like McDavid is a challenge for any team, and it’s a call for every player in the locker room to elevate their game. Over the past three games, particularly in the last two without McDavid, the Oilers have shown resilience and depth, proving they have the talent and resolve to stay competitive. Each player has had to step up, and the collective effort has allowed Edmonton to maintain their offensive momentum, even with their captain sidelined.

Zach Hyman, who hadn’t scored yet this season, finally found the back of the net against Nashville, providing a timely boost to the Oilers’ offence. Veteran players like Corey Perry have contributed with their experience and skill, while new additions like Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner have added firepower to Edmonton’s lineup. Their combined efforts in both scoring and playmaking have given the team the lift it needed, showing that the Oilers’ roster is deeper and more versatile than many anticipated.

These performances underscore the team’s commitment to rallying in McDavid’s absence, with each player embracing a larger role. The Oilers have demonstrated that they’re not solely reliant on their top star and have a well-rounded lineup capable of challenging opponents. As Edmonton continues to face tough matchups, this depth will be essential in keeping the team competitive and building confidence across the roster, ensuring they stay in the playoff race until McDavid’s return.

DUD - Penalty Kill

In the absence of McDavid, the Oilers will need to improve across the board to stay competitive, and one glaring area of concern is their penalty kill. Early in the season, the Oilers have struggled to shut down opposing power plays, a problem that has continued over the past three games. With McDavid out, maintaining defensive stability becomes even more crucial, as every goal allowed now carries a heavier impact on the team’s chances.

Over their last three matchups against the Blue Jackets, Predators, and Flames, Edmonton’s penalty kill faltered, successfully stopping just one out of four penalties. This inconsistency has proven costly, as these goals against put added pressure on an already depleted offence. Without the offensive cushion that McDavid often provides, the Oilers can’t afford to give opponents easy scoring opportunities on the power play. Addressing the penalty kill breakdowns, whether through strategy adjustments or more disciplined play, will be vital in keeping games within reach.

If left unchecked, the struggles on the penalty kill could have a cascading effect, wearing down both the defence and goaltending while leaving the offence with little margin for error. With upcoming games against competitive teams, the Oilers’ ability to strengthen their penalty kill could make the difference between staying afloat or slipping in the standings. Tackling this issue head-on will be essential for Edmonton as they work to navigate this challenging period without their captain.

The absence of McDavid is undeniably a major setback, yet these past three games have shown that the Oilers possess the depth and resilience to remain competitive. Key players have stepped up to shoulder the load, with veterans and new additions contributing offensively and rallying to keep the team’s momentum alive. Despite some areas that need improvement, particularly on the penalty kill, the Oilers have demonstrated that they can adapt and fight through adversity.

As the Oilers move forward, they’ll need to continue building on this collective effort, with each player embracing an elevated role until McDavid’s return. The resilience they’ve shown hints at a promising season ahead, and if they can shore up their defensive gaps, Edmonton can continue to establish itself as a top contender in the league.

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