They’ve yet to win more than two games in a row, and one could argue they struggled to play even two consecutive solid games in a row, until their last two against Seattle and Minnesota. I understand a team would rather win and play poorly than lose and play well. Winning matters most in professional sports, and the Oilers were visibly upset after their 1-0 loss last night, but there are signs that better results are coming.

Edmonton’s defensive game was a mess through the first 25 games. They gave up way too many quality looks, whether it was off the rush, on deflections, off slot line plays, screens, etc. They were very leaky defensively. But after a few days of practice, the Oilers have played two solid defensive games. Stuart Skinner has faced 50 shots and stopped 49 of them. The Oilers have limited high-danger chances, and the goalie has played well. That is much-needed progress from both the defensive zone coverage and the goalie position.

Unfortunately for the Oilers, they didn’t generate enough quality scoring chances last night, despite possessing the puck way more.

“We had a lot of possession time, lots of shots, but not enough quality looks,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch.

His captain, Connor McDavid, agreed.

“I thought we played well. Usually, when you give up one (goal), you win. We didn’t. We didn’t generate the most Grade A chances, but we had some looks, passed some of them away, myself more than anybody,” said McDavid.

McDavid is an incredible playmaker, but his reluctance to shoot from good scoring areas was an issue last night. He was clearly frustrated after the game. He’s admitted that shooting isn’t his natural instinct. He’s always enjoyed setting up teammates, which is a great quality, but he needs to convince himself to shoot when he’s in a good spot. If you keep passing up great looks to try and pass the puck, and it doesn’t result in even a shot on goal, it is the wrong play.

I’ve seen some fans suggest he has a core injury, and that’s why he won’t shoot, but that makes little sense considering two shifts later, he came down the wing and shot through a screen. He hasn’t missed one practice. I’ve never seen him have bandages on his core when he is changing in the room. He’s playing more minutes, skating faster this year than last year. To claim he is injured, while he is skating faster and playing more, makes little sense.

To me, it is clearly a lack of confidence or overthinking. McDavid has missed the net 48 times in 27 games for an average of 1.77 missed shots/game. Last year, he was at 1.28 and 1.17 the year before. He’s missed the net more. His shots on goal are down, but mainly due to him missing the net more. If you add in his shots on goals and missed shots, he’s averaging 4.55 this season, after 4.20 last year and 4.63 the year prior. I don’t buy the “injured” theory when he’s firing just as much. He isn’t hitting the net as often as he’d like, and he’s passing up good looks. Throw in the fact that he’s tried a few different sticks, and that adds up to this being more mental than physical.

Players go through funks, even the best ones, and McDavid seems to be a bit out of sorts. It is important to remind people that him not being at his best isn’t awful, as he’s still fifth in league scoring. But he isn’t shooting with as much confidence, and he’s missed more passes this year than he normally does.

McDavid has 41 giveaways through 27 games. His career high is 89 in 2019, and he had 84 in 2024. He’s on pace for 124 this season. He missed some passes he normally makes, and at times, he and his teammates have been forced to complete long-percentage passes. It happens when you press or aren’t feeling confident. He will sort it out, just like it looks like the Oilers are starting to sort out their defensive game.

Last night was similar to the game in Seattle, where the Oilers didn’t beat themselves with unforced errors or a glaring turnover. They managed the puck well defensively, won battles, and Minnesota rarely had the Oilers reeling defensively. The Oilers just couldn’t score, but they didn’t cheat for offence. They play solid defence and rarely have to defend for long stretches. If they continue to play like that, the offence will follow.

QUICK HITS…

— Getting shut out by the Wild, and specifically Jesper Wallstedt, isn’t a reason to panic. The Wild are 10-0-2 in their last 12 games, and they’ve posted five shutouts in their previous nine games. Wallstedt has four shutouts in his last six starts. He’s on an incredible heater. Wallstedt is the sixth rookie goalie in NHL history to start the season with a point streak of 10+ games. He is 8-0-2 on the season, which ties him with Bob Froese (9-0-1 in 1983 with PHI) and Robb Stauber (9-0-1 in 1993 with LAK). Wallstedt trails Ross Brooks (8-0-3 in 1973 with BOS), Bill Durnan (11-0-3) with MTL in 1944 and Pete Peeters, who was a ridiculous 22-0-5 with PHI in 1980.

— Wallstedt also required the second fewest games (15) to reach five career shutouts. Frank Brimsek did it in nine games in 1938.

— According to Clear Sight Analytics, Stuart Skinner faced three high danger chances and nine mid-danger chances last night, while Wallstedt faced four HD and four mid danger chances. Wallstedt didn’t have to be unreal to post the shutout last night.

— One of the more underrated defenders in the NHL is Jonas Brodin. He was excellent last night at keeping the Oilers to the outside.

— Andrew Mangiapane is really struggling. In his last 19 games, he has one goal, and at 5-on-5, he’s been outscored 21-8. The Oilers desperately need some production from their bottom six. Soon.

MONTH OF GIVING…

Thanks to Jon for his awesome bid of $5,850 on the Astoria Lighting package. Today we have two great packages.

DAY THREE:

Package #1: The Ultimate Made to Measure Experience

$1500 towards two outfits hand-picked by Sterling Derk to fit your style. Options of blazers, shoes, jeans, etc.
Additional $500 in GCs towards shirt, ties or accessories at Mr Derk. Pick whatever you want.
All tailoring of clothes is included.
In-store consultation with Sterling Derk to ensure you fill out your wardrobe properly.

Package #2: Golf Experience at the Ranch

10 rounds of golf at the Ranch Golf and Country Club with a power cart for each round and use of the driving range before every round.
One round of golf for three people with their Head Pro, Shawn Piercey, who will get out his wallet and buy lunch and beverages.
One round of golf for two with GM Murray McCourt and Kevin Karius from Sports 1440. This is a spirited match and usually involves some friendly “wagering” and lunch and beverages for these guys.

You can bid via text between 2-6 p.m. on Sports 1440 by texting 833.401.1440 (can call the same number) and include your name and donation amount. Every dollar raised will be donated to the Brightview Elementary breakfast program and Operation Friendship Seniors Society. Thanks in advance.

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QUICK HITS…

MONTH OF GIVING…

DAY THREE:

Recent articles from Jason Gregor

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