Studs and duds from the Oilers' frustrating past 4 games

The Edmonton Oilers’ 2024 season has been anything but predictable, with the team experiencing a series of highs and lows that have left fans and analysts scratching their heads. After an offseason filled with hope and the expectation of a deep playoff run, the Oilers have struggled to find consistent form. Their performance has been a roller-coaster ride, where moments of brilliance have often overshadowed by missed opportunities and disappointing results.

The past four games have been a perfect reflection of the ups and downs that have defined Edmonton’s season so far. In these games, the Oilers showed flashes of the skill and talent that made them a top contender in recent years. However, they also displayed some of the same issues that have plagued them all season, such as defensive lapses and inconsistency in goal. These games have been a microcosm of the team’s struggles to find a rhythm and get on track.

As the season progresses, the Oilers must find a way to address these inconsistencies if they want to turn things around. Whether it's tightening up their defensive play, improving their special teams, or getting more consistent performances from key players, the team has plenty of areas to improve. The challenge ahead is finding the balance between their offensive firepower and the discipline required to become true contenders, as the rollercoaster ride of their season continues.

STUD - Connor McDavid

When Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid went down with an apparent ankle injury during a game against Columbus, the entire city of Edmonton held its breath, fearing the worst. The initial prognosis had McDavid sidelined for at least two-three weeks, a major blow to the team’s hopes of staying competitive. However, in true McDavid fashion, the superstar defied expectations and returned to the lineup after only missing one week, giving fans and teammates alike a much-needed sense of relief.

Despite his early return, McDavid’s first game back against the Vegas Golden Knights ended in frustration, as the Oilers lost 4-2. McDavid, still finding his rhythm after the injury, couldn’t make an impact, and the team struggled to find their footing offensively. It was a tough night for the Oilers, but McDavid’s leadership and determination were still evident as he pushed through the challenge of returning from injury.

It didn’t take McDavid long to shake off the rust, however. In the following games against the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Islanders, he reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the best players in the world, racking up two goals and five assists. His dominant play was a welcome sight for the Oilers, as McDavid quickly regained his form and once again became a driving force behind Edmonton’s offence, showing that even after injury, his presence on the ice is unmatched.

DUD - Stuart Skinner

The Edmonton Oilers' struggles this season can be largely attributed to the inconsistent play of goaltender Stuart Skinner. While he did manage back-to-back wins against the Canucks and Islanders, Skinner’s overall performance has been unreliable, and his shortcomings have contributed to the team's ongoing frustration. In particular, Skinner allowed the Golden Knights to score three unanswered goals in the third period, a devastating collapse that cost the Oilers the game. Similarly, against the Islanders, Skinner let in a late goal that forced overtime, underscoring his inability to make critical stops in high-pressure moments.

For the Oilers to turn their season around, they need more from their goaltender, especially in moments when the game is on the line. Skinner’s inconsistency has been a major hindrance, as his failure to come through with a timely save leaves the team scrambling to recover. While Edmonton has plenty of offensive firepower with players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, goaltending remains a critical component of their success, and Skinner has not been able to deliver the stability needed between the pipes.

With McDavid and Draisaitl expected to continue carrying the offensive load, the Oilers’ defence and goaltending must step up to support them. As long as Skinner continues to struggle in key moments, the pressure on Edmonton’s stars will only increase, making it harder for the team to remain competitive. If Skinner can’t find a way to become more reliable, the Oilers will have a difficult time overcoming their early-season frustrations and reaching the levels of success they aspire to.

STUD - Connor Brown

When Connor Brown signed with the Edmonton Oilers last season, there were questions about how the veteran winger would perform after recovering from a significant knee injury. For much of the regular season, Brown struggled to find his rhythm, unable to showcase the speed and skill that had made him an effective player in previous years. It wasn’t until the playoffs that Brown truly began to make an impact, particularly as a key contributor on the penalty kill, where he demonstrated his value to the team.

This season, however, Brown has shown marked improvement, seemingly regaining his skating prowess and ability to move with the speed and agility he’s known for. Over the past four games, he has scored two goals and added one assist, proving that he can still be a valuable offensive contributor. His recent play has been a positive sign for the Oilers, who have struggled to find consistent secondary scoring beyond their top stars.

Secondary offence is an area the Oilers desperately need to address if they want to contend for a deep playoff run, and Brown’s recent performances show that he can help fill that gap. With his ability to contribute offensively and be a reliable presence on special teams, Brown has the potential to be a key player for the Oilers moving forward. If he can continue to build on his recent success, he could be an important piece in Edmonton’s quest to improve their overall team depth and offensive balance.

DUD - Penalty Kill

Last season, the Edmonton Oilers were dominant on special teams, leading the league with one of the most effective power plays and penalty kills in the NHL. This season, however, the team has seen a complete reversal in their performance on special teams, struggling both on the power play and in killing penalties. While their offence has been solid, their inability to stop opposing teams on the power play has been a major factor in their struggles, and in the past four games alone, the Oilers have allowed three more power play goals.

The team’s issues on special teams have been particularly troubling, as they are now allowing the opposition to capitalize on man advantages with alarming frequency. This weakness has given opponents a significant edge, and the Oilers have yet to find a solution to improve their penalty kill. While their power play is starting to improve, the struggles on the other side of the puck have made it difficult for Edmonton to maintain momentum and win crucial games.

There is no immediate solution in sight for the Oilers' special teams woes, but the team must act quickly to correct these issues if they want to stay in the playoff race. The Oilers' playoff hopes could be on the line if they continue to allow opponents to score freely on the power play. Fixing their penalty kill and improving their overall special teams play must be a priority for Edmonton moving forward, as the window for turning things around is quickly closing.

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