Should you be worried about the Edmonton Oilers season debut? Panic-o-meter edition
The Edmonton Oilers have not started the 2024-25 season incredibly after disappointing one win in 5 games since the beginning of the season.
The primary concern lies in goaltending with both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard putting up not so good performances. Stuart Skinner's 1-3-0 record with an .851 save percentage and 4.03 goals-against average, combined with Pickard's similarly weak stats (.852 SV% and 3.28 GAA), are major issues for the Edmonton Oilers.
While Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are producing, they aren't hitting their typical highs. Leon Draisaitl leads the team with three goals and McDavid has six points but head coach Kris Knobloch has kept the pair together on a line with Zach Hyman who has yet to register a point in six games. Loading up one line hasn't bring the desired results especially in key moments like their recent 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars.
Special teams have also been a disaster for the Oilers' power play which is ranked 30th in the league at just 6.7% which is a significant drop from their historically elite unit when they were at 55%.
The panic meter for the Oilers sits at 8/10 and for good reason. Despite last season's slow start and eventual trip to the Stanley Cup Final, there's no guarantee Edmonton can turn things around again. The team's depth has shown signs of life but the overall structure shows big issues that need to be fixed. Knobloch needs to distribute talent more evenly in all the offensive and perhaps splitting Draisaitl and McDavid to lead separate lines, while addressing the critical issues of goaltending and special teams.
Ultimately, Edmonton needs confidence, and that comes from stringing together wins. Until that happens, the Oilers will remain on shaky ground.
