“That Shouldn’t Be Possible”, Insider on Oilers Unexpected Offensive Stat

The Edmonton Oilers, a team typically synonymous with high-octane offense, are facing a perplexing situation this season. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to put up points, an underlying offensive statistic has left many, including team insiders, scratching their heads. The Oilers' inability to generate consistent offense at five-on-five has become a major concern.

"It's just... it shouldn't be possible with the talent we have," confessed one team insider, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're talking about two of the best offensive players in the world, and yet, we're struggling to score at even strength. It's baffling."

The numbers paint a concerning picture. The Oilers are currently ranked 29th in the league in goals scored per 60 minutes at even strength. This is a significant drop-off for a team that has historically relied on its offensive firepower to win games. It's not just about finishing chances; the Oilers are struggling to create quality opportunities in the first place.

Advanced metrics further highlight the issue. Edmonton sits 23rd in Corsi for per 60, 21st in Fenwick for per 60, and 24th in expected goals for per 60. These figures suggest a fundamental failure to control play and generate dangerous opportunities in the offensive zone. The possession game that was a hallmark of their past playoff runs has largely vanished.

One surprising aspect of this offensive slump is Connor McDavid's goal-scoring drought at the start of the season. Despite his playmaking prowess, he had only one goal through the first ten games, a power-play marker. While he's creating chances, ranking high in high-danger shots and individual expected goals, the puck simply hasn't been finding the back of the net. In a game against Seattle, McDavid didn't register a single shot on net, a statistic deemed "almost incomprehensible" for a player of his caliber.

Leon Draisaitl has been carrying more of the goal-scoring burden, but even his production is slightly below his usual standards. When McDavid and Draisaitl have been on the ice together at 5-on-5, they're generating 3.25 on-ice goals per hour. While still a good number, it's not as exceptional as in previous seasons.

Several factors may be contributing to this unexpected offensive slump. The absence of Zach Hyman, a key component of the Oilers' top line, has been keenly felt. The team has also struggled to find consistent linemates for McDavid and Draisaitl, hindering the development of sustained chemistry. Some observers have noted McDavid's reluctance to shoot, which could be linked to an undisclosed injury. The Oilers’ offensive zone time at even strength is lower compared to previous seasons.

"We're spending too much time in the defensive end and surprisingly not enough in the neutral and offensive zones," an analyst noted.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch is trying to address the issue by improving the special teams. The Oilers' power play is currently ranked 3rd in the league at 30.9 percent, and their penalty kill is 11th at 81.8 percent. New players like David Tomasek and Jack Roslovic have been instrumental in these improvements.

Despite the offensive challenges, there are signs of improvement. The Oilers are scoring more goals lately than in the first ten games of the season. In their November 19th game against the Washington Capitals, McDavid had a dominant offensive performance with 8 points and 4 goals. The team’s power play efficiency has provided a significant edge.

However, to be a true contender, the Oilers need to unlock their five-on-five offense. The team is heavily reliant on McDavid and Draisaitl, who account for roughly 33% of the team's total points. This reliance can limit the team's opportunities, especially when opponents focus on shutting down the two superstars.

The Oilers' offensive struggles have dumbfounded fans and experts alike. The team needs to find a way to generate more consistent offense at even strength if they want to achieve their championship aspirations. As one insider put it, "We have the talent, we just need to figure out how to put it all together. Until then, this unexpected offensive stat will continue to haunt us."