Time for the Edmonton Oilers to push the panic button?
The Edmonton Oilers have struggled thus far this season, raising concerns about the need for the team to play with a sense of urgency before it's too late to make up ground in the standings.
The Edmonton Oilers have struggled out of the gate for the second year in a row. Thus far, they have failed to deliver on the expectations built on last season’s tremendous playoff run.
So, when the Oilers sit at 6-7-1 after 14 games and in fifth place in the Pacific Division, this begs the question, “Is it time to push the panic button?”
The answer is yes and no.
So, let’s explore why the Oilers should and should not push the panic button at this point in this season.
No, the Oilers should not push the panic button
The biggest reason why the Oilers should not push the panic button, at least not now, is that it’s still early in the season. Only 14 games have gone by and the team is still within seven points off the division lead.
As such, all the Oilers need to do is go on one of their winning streaks and that’s that. They have the firepower to go on an extended winning streak. Plus, the Oilers could take advantage of a softer part of their schedule to make a push for the Pacific Division lead.
In short, it’s still too early to yell “fire!” The Oilers have plenty of time to turn things around. So, it’s just a matter of finding the momentum needed to climb out of the hole the team is in at the moment.
Yes, the Oilers must push the panic button
On the flip side, the Oilers must bear down on the panic button. The main reason is that it’s still early in the season. As such, the Oilers must play with a sense of urgency now. They need to realize that there’s plenty of time ahead, which means correcting issues now rather than waiting till January to do something about them.
The problem with assuming there’s still plenty of time to turn things around, is that time will eventually run out. When it does, the club may be in a hole too deep to climb out of this season. The Oilers must play with a sense of urgency, almost the kind that resembles an elimination game in the playoffs.
I know that some fans might think I’m overreacting. But in the years I’ve watched hockey, I’ve noticed how playing with a sense of urgency is precisely what allows teams to turn things around. Teams that fail to realize the urgency of the matter, eventually dig themselves into a hole too deep to climb out of.
Next. Rumours about Oilers targeting a goalie are nonsense. Rumours about Oilers targeting a goalie are nonsense. dark
A final thought
A team’s competitive window is painfully short in today’s salary cap era. The Oilers must take advantage of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s prime years. They are fortunate to have two generational talents on the team at the same time.
If the club fails to capitalize on that situation, there’s no telling when such talent may be on the team ever again.
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