Draisaitl Puts The Heat on Himself as Oilers’ Offence Falls Flat

The Edmonton Oilers are facing early-season struggles, marked by a disconnect in their offensive game. After a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, the Oilers have dropped their third straight game, leaving players and fans searching for answers.

"Just not creating enough offense," Oilers star Leon Draisaitl admitted after the game against the Red Wings. Draisaitl didn't hold back, pointing the finger at himself and other top players for the team's offensive woes. "Certainly not for a lack of effort, everyone is trying really hard," Draisaitl said, acknowledging the team's struggles. "It's tough going right now. It's not easy when you're not seeing it and plays are closing down quickly, so it's got to be better," he added.

The Oilers' offense has been sputtering, scoring just 13 goals through five games, ranking them low in the league. Their performance at five-on-five is particularly concerning, with only six goals scored, placing them near the bottom of the league. The power play, a traditional strength for the Oilers, is also underperforming, converting at just 18.8%.

Captain Connor McDavid echoed Draisaitl's concerns, stating that the team is "out of sync". "Not a lot of flow to our game—not connected enough, even on the power play, but even at five-on-five," McDavid said. McDavid, who has been held without a goal through six games, is also feeling the pressure.

The team's struggles extend beyond just goal scoring. The Oilers are having difficulty generating quality scoring chances and maintaining consistent pressure in the offensive zone. Too often, they are overpassing the puck and remaining on the perimeter of the ice, failing to attack the net and create second-chance opportunities. According to reports, the Oilers' refusal to dump the puck in or chip it out of their zone when under pressure has led to turnovers, further hindering their offensive efforts.

Coach Kris Knoblauch has experimented with different line combinations in an attempt to spark the offense, but to no avail. Some observers suggest that the coaching staff needs to simplify the game plan and maintain consistent line combinations to foster better chemistry and puck management.

Despite the slow start, there's a sense that the Oilers have the talent to turn things around. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a bright spot, rediscovering his scoring touch with four goals in the first five games. However, the team needs more consistent contributions from its depth players and improved play from its defensive core, which has yet to score a goal this season.

Draisaitl's willingness to shoulder the blame reflects his leadership and commitment to the team. "You know the game changes when your top guys are feeling it and they're seeing it and creating offense. It changes the entire dynamic of a group," Draisaitl said. "I just have to take a look in the mirror and figure out something to be better".

The Oilers will look to turn things around as they continue their road trip against the Ottawa Senators. With Draisaitl taking the heat and urging his teammates to elevate their game, the Oilers hope to rediscover their offensive touch and get back on the winning track.