TSN's Overdrive Podcast targets Oilers player for lacklustre performance

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Finnegan Frost
November 6, 2024 (11:30)

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In a recent segment of TSN's Overdrive Podcast, the boys called out Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for his tough start to the season.

Although the Edmonton Oilers were able to inch-worm back to a 6-6-1 record without the help of captain McDavid, certain players on the team have failed to step up so far.

Among the veteran players on the team who continue to struggle is forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Up to this point, RNH has tallied just 1 goal, 4 assists, and is a -1 rating on the ice through 13 regular season games.

«You look at Edmonton, their special teams stink right now. Their penalty kill can't You look at Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on that penalty kill goal. I don't know who he was guarding. Like he might as well, he actually should have just taken his gear off at that point.»
-Overdrive Podcast

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is typically regarded as the most talented two-way forward on the team. Being a defensive forward with an added offensive pedigree is where RNH thrives, but he's been far from that this season.

«I look at Edmonton and people always say, ''You worried about Edmonton?'' I'm not. I think they're just their best players have to start playing better. And it's been Draisaitl who's been great. But to me, you know, RNH, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, they have not gotten to the level that they need to be really competitive.»
-Overdrive Podcast

Although Noodles, O-Dog, an Hayes singled RNH out, they also raise some level of concern regarding Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse.

Darnell Nurse has been on the ice for nearly 50% of total goals scored against, whereas Bouchard has yet to unleash his offensive potential fans witnessed last season.

During the Oilers recent back-to-back victories against the Nashville Predators, Oilers saw a few depth players rise to the occasion, such as Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson.

Despite some unlikely candidates rising to the occasion, I do agree with the Overdrive team regarding their assessment of RNH - he simply needs to be better.