Since their surprising deep playoff run in the 2022 Bubble Playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers have struggled to maintain their winning ways. The team that finished second in the NHL with 116 points that year has since missed the playoffs twice, including a last-place finish in the Western Conference in 2020-21. The Oilers have also seen their once-high-octane offense sputter, with the team finishing 20th in the NHL in goals scored last season.
So what’s wrong with the Oilers? Some experts point to the team’s diminished pace of play. In the 2021-22 season, the Oilers were one of the fastest-skating teams in the NHL, averaging over 50 shots on goal per game. However, that number has since dropped to just 44 shots per game, which is 25th in the NHL.
The Oilers also appear to have lost some of their identity as a team. In the past, the Oilers were known for their up-tempo, puck-possession style of play. This season, however, the Oilers have been more willing to dump the puck in and grind it out.
Is this a cause for concern?
The Oilers’ diminished pace and identity are certainly cause for concern. The team is clearly not playing as well as they did in the past, and the reasons for this are not entirely clear.
Some experts believe that the Oilers’ problems are due to a lack of leadership. Connor McDavid is one of the best players in the NHL, but he is still only 26 years old. He may not be ready to lead a team to a Stanley Cup just yet.
Others point to the Oilers’ lack of depth. The team has a few stars, but they don’t have enough quality players to fill out a full roster. This lack of depth has been exposed when the Oilers have faced injuries to their key players.
What can be done?
If the Oilers want to turn things around, they will need to find a way to increase their pace of play and rediscover their identity as a team. They also need to find a way to develop more depth.
This will not be an easy task, but it is one that the Oilers must undertake if they want to be a contender for the Stanley Cup.
Kind regards
R. Bauer
