The Oilers might be lucky to make the 2024-25 postseason

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Finnegan Frost
November 8, 2024 (2:16 PM)

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Well folks, hockey analysts are now questioning the Edmonton Oilers ability to make the 2024-2025 post season.

First off, I just want to emphasize that I think the perception of the Oilers missing the playoffs is utter garbage.

These so called "analysts" and media outlets seem to be questioning the Oilers overall ability to be successful, but I think the Oilers have historically proved that their bad starts mean absolutely nothing in the long wrong.

Despite my personal opinion, the media has now questioned the Edmonton Oilers ability to make the 2024-25 postseason

According to The Hockey Writers, The Oilers were the consensus pick to win the Stanley Cup in 2024-25, and almost on cue, can't seem to live up to the hype. The team currently sits last in the NHL in penalty-kill efficiency and 27th in power-play percentage.

The goaltending has been average. Players are making costly mistakes and every time you think the Oilers are going to turn things around and go on a run similar to last season, they end up shooting themselves in the foot. Maybe this team has it in them to turn it around, but I'm not seeing any visible signs.
-The Hockey Writers

Reporters like Mark Spector seem to be agreeing with takes such as this one, as shown in his recent questioning of Leon Draisaitl during post-practice media availability.

I completely understand the panic button being hit, especially when looking at the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers are coming off their first franchise championship and seem to feeling no ill effects from the infamous "Stanley Cup Hangover"

Although the Edmonton Oilers are far from the team we saw towards the end of last season, its still relatively early, with still lots of time to improve.

With that being said, another 16 game winning streak seems highly unlikely, but the team still has some pretty exciting catalysts ahead of them.

Evander Kane is set to return from injury in early 2025, and his presence should give the team an added offensive boost.

In addition to that, the 4 Nations Cup is right around the corner, in which 3 Oilers players should be representing Team Canada. Including a few other elite players set to represent their respective countries during the tournament.

The tournament alone will kick the Oilers elite players into overdrive, as playing at the highest competitive stage should be a great mental reset for the team.

Even though fans haven't given up quite yet, the longer the Oilers continue to flounder, the louder the voices will be for GM Stan Bowman and Jackson to do something.