As the calendar turns to November, Oilers fans find themselves in a familiar position: dissecting a less-than-ideal start to the NHL season. With 15 games played, the team sits with a 6-5-4 record, a performance that has sparked concern and debate across Oil Country. However, seasoned observers are urging calm, suggesting that there's no need to panic.
The team's current standing places them outside the top spots in the Pacific Division, a far cry from the expectations set after two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final. This slow start isn't entirely new territory for the Oilers. The team has struggled out of the gate in recent years, but have managed to turn things around. In fact, the Oilers have been known to start slow the past few seasons.
One of the primary reasons for the underwhelming performance has been the offense. Despite boasting the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers have struggled to generate consistent scoring, particularly at even strength. The team's inability to hold multi-goal leads has also been a troubling trend, pointing to a potential lack of intensity and aggression in the later stages of games. Furthermore, the Oilers are near the bottom of the league in 5-on-5 goals.
Injuries to key players like Zach Hyman and Jake Walman have further compounded the Oilers' problems. The absence of Walman, in particular, has had a detrimental effect on the team's defensive stability.
Despite these challenges, there are several reasons why Oilers fans should remain optimistic. For starters, it's still early in the season, and there's plenty of time for the team to find its rhythm. Both McDavid and Draisaitl are producing at high levels. The team also brought in new players such as Andrew Mangiapane and Jack Roslovic. The Oilers are projected to finish first in the Pacific Division.
Moreover, the Oilers' struggles may be partly attributed to bad luck. According to various metrics, the Oilers are considered one of the unluckiest teams in the league. The team's PDO, a measure of luck, is below the league average, suggesting that their shooting and save percentages will eventually balance out.
Looking ahead, the Oilers can improve their offensive output by generating more shots and scoring chances. With their talent, the team should be scoring more. The return of injured players will also provide a boost.
