The Edmonton Oilers are developing a concerning pattern, one that could jeopardize their aspirations for a deep playoff run. While the team sits second in the Pacific Division with 16 points, their recent performances reveal a reliance on comebacks and an inability to maintain leads, a dangerous habit that has plagued them throughout the early season.

The Oilers' tendency to fall behind early in games has become a recurring theme. In a nine-game stretch from October 16-30, the Oilers conceded the first goal eight times, often finding themselves trailing by two goals. While they managed a 3-4-2 record during this period, constantly playing from behind is a taxing strategy. More recently, even when taking an early lead, the Oilers have struggled to maintain their advantage.

The game against the St. Louis Blues on Monday, November 4, 2025, serves as a prime example. Edmonton jumped to a 2-0 lead, but the Blues responded with three unanswered goals, ultimately handing the Oilers a 3-2 defeat. Veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm acknowledged the team's inability to sustain a strong performance for the entire 60 minutes. "I thought we had a good start, I thought we had a good half," Ekholm said, "somewhere in there, and when they got their first one, obviously we got on our heels a little bit". This marked the fourth time this season that the Oilers have relinquished a two-goal lead, resulting in either an overtime loss or a regulation defeat. They have a league-high four blown multi-goal leads this season.

This pattern is not new. During the 2024-25 season, the Oilers demonstrated a similar tendency to surrender third-period leads. Games against the Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Toronto Maple Leafs saw the Oilers give up late goals, costing them valuable points. While they managed to win some of those games, the habit of relinquishing leads raises serious questions about their ability to close out games, especially against tough opponents in critical situations.

Sportsnet Stats highlighted an alarming statistic: the Oilers have lost four games when leading by multiple goals within the first 15 games of the season, a first in team history. This underscores the team's fragility and inability to maintain control, even with a comfortable lead.

While the Oilers have shown resilience in their ability to come back from behind, consistently relying on this approach is a risky proposition. As forward Zach Hyman noted, "You don't want to be down in five games, but we have the experience that we can come back and fight our way out of it". However, depending on late-game heroics is unsustainable in the long run. Playoff success requires consistent, dominant performances throughout the game, not just in the final minutes. The largest comeback in Oilers history was on January 21, 1985 against the Los Angeles Kings when they were trailing 2-7 in the second period and came back to win the game 8-7.

The Oilers' struggles extend beyond simply losing leads. Their once-potent offense has become average. Last season, they dropped from fourth to 11th in goals scored, with a significant decline in power-play efficiency. This offensive slump puts even more pressure on the team to play flawlessly with leads, as goals may be harder to come by.

To reverse this trend, the Oilers need to address several key areas. They must focus on playing a full 60-minute game, maintaining intensity and focus from start to finish. They need to improve their defensive play, limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and protecting leads. They also need to rediscover their offensive spark, finding ways to generate consistent scoring throughout the lineup. Coach Kris Knoblauch faces the challenge of instilling these changes and creating a more balanced and reliable team.

The Oilers' talent is undeniable, with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way. However, talent alone is not enough. The team must develop better habits, learn to play with a lead, and find a way to consistently perform at their best for the entire game. Otherwise, their reliance on comebacks will prove to be a dangerous game, one that could ultimately derail their Stanley Cup aspirations.