The Edmonton Oilers, a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, faced unexpected challenges early in the 2025-26 NHL season, leading to questions and concerns from fans and analysts alike. Several factors contributed to the team's sluggish start, creating a situation that was described as a "killer" for their performance.

One of the primary issues was the lack of offensive production, particularly at even strength. Despite boasting arguably the league's most dynamic duo in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers struggled to consistently find the back of the net. Goals were hard to come by, and the team often couldn't generate enough offense to secure victories. This was further compounded by the slow start of some of the team's top rookies, who struggled to contribute meaningfully to the scoresheet. The Oilers' inability to score consistently at even strength resulted in a low ranking in 5-on-5 goals for per 60 minutes, placing them among the league's worst in this crucial metric.

Changes to the roster also played a significant role in the Oilers' early struggles. During the summer, the team parted ways with several veteran players and brought in a mix of rookies and new faces. This turnover disrupted the team's chemistry and cohesion, making it difficult for the players to mesh effectively on the ice. It took time for the new line combinations to develop the necessary familiarity and understanding to generate consistent offense.

Another factor that hindered the Oilers was their poor goaltending. The team's save percentage was among the league's lowest, indicating that the goaltenders were struggling to make crucial stops. While starting goalie Stuart Skinner showed flashes of brilliance, he wasn't performing at the level the Oilers needed. The backup goaltending was also inconsistent, leaving the team vulnerable when Skinner wasn't in net. To address these issues, the Oilers hired a new goaltending coach in the summer, hoping to improve the performance of Skinner and the other netminders.

Injuries to key players further compounded the Oilers' problems. Several important players were sidelined with injuries, disrupting the team's lineup and forcing others to step into unfamiliar roles. This made it even more difficult for the team to establish consistency and build momentum.

Adding to the Oilers' woes, metrics revealed a surprising lack of luck. The team's PDO, a metric that measures luck, was below the league average, suggesting that the Oilers were not getting the bounces they needed to win games. This was reflected in their low shooting percentage and save percentage, indicating that they were not capitalizing on their opportunities.

Another challenge was the grueling early-season schedule, which forced the Oilers to spend a significant amount of time on the road. This constant travel disrupted their sleep cycles, limited their practice time, and increased the likelihood of unforced errors. The lack of practice time made it difficult for the coaching staff to address systemic issues and implement necessary adjustments.

Despite these early struggles, there was still optimism that the Oilers could turn things around. The team possessed too much talent to continue underperforming indefinitely. As the season progressed, the Oilers began to show signs of improvement, with their offense starting to click and their goaltending becoming more reliable. A renewed focus on defensive play and a commitment to hard work also contributed to their improved performance. The Oilers also benefited from a five-game homestand in December, which provided them with much-needed practice time and rest.