Nation Sites
The Nation Network
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
‘Something needs to change’: Fans react as Oilers suffer worst home loss since Decade of Darkness

Photo credit: © Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Throughout the years, the Oilers have had some stinky games, but none have been as embarrassing as the one on Saturday night against the Colorado Avalanche. According to Sportsnet, this 9-1 loss is tied for the franchise’s most significant home-ice defeat in history. The only other time this happened was on January 27, 2009, against the Buffalo Sabres.
No fanbase would stand for a loss like this, and Oilers fans were loud and clear online throughout Colorado’s demolition of Edmonton.
“I’m going to sound like a caveman here, but the Oilers have zero emotional leadership. They need to add someone that will kick some ass both literally and figuratively.” – AdamsOnHockey via X“This version of the Edmonton Oilers is embarrassing. Humiliating performance tonight. Something needs to change. On the brink of a free fall into oblivion.” – Elliotte Knopp via X“So nobody with an ‘A’ or ‘C’ or a goalie faced the media post-game? Awesome, great, got it.” – NHL_Bouchard via X“Pain is realizing how privileged Oilers fans were to even witness back-to-back SCF appearances. Now we’ll be lucky to see a first-round exit.” – SchmiddyG via X“The good news is that we have hit rock bottom.” – Thesquireyeg via X“Is DNF a valid outcome for this game?” – Kevin McCurdy via X
Fans have been searching for a turning point this year, given how things have gone, and a reason for the organization to make a splash for a goaltender. Fingers were certainly pointed toward Skinner, Pickard, and others.
“We’re good guys, don’t worry, we’ve got Frederic for another 7 years.” – harl000__ via Instagram“OOF WOULD BE NICE IF WE HAD A TEAM THAT PLAYED WITH SOME HEART.” – jkthsnk via Instagram“I’ve never in my 30-plus years of watching the NHL seen a goalie with that poor mobility. Pickard can’t play another game as an Oiler. Stuey at this point needs to be a backup to someone else.” – Kiatt_nonos_ via Instagram“Skinner should be selling used cars on White Ave. Bouchard should be the sales manager, talking about how they almost won, and every now and then they bring Grant Fuhr in to sign autographs. I understand there are no goalies, but at this point send either goalie to Bakersfield. No one’s taking them off waivers, and if they do, good. Send up Ingram, he makes it or he doesn’t. Expose the group and the depth we have, and if that doesn’t work, start trading.” – Paul Oneski via Facebook“Ok, let’s get a goalie just to expose that it’s not just the goalie that’s the problem. The team sucks. No depth. We have so many players of the same type. No grit. No heart. So soft all over.” – Barret Gerlitz via Facebook“Still need a goalie and defensemen if they want a Cup. When they get a 2 or 3 goal lead, McDavid and Draisaitl need to help lock it down by backchecking.” – Bryan Leitch via X“This may actually be Pickard’s last NHL game.” – StuThePenguin via X“Ekholm kinda looks… done. Despite the underlyings.” – TheLineBlender via X“This Oilers team looks like a team that is just done for the season. They play each game as if it’s a Sunday public skate, have an early spring in April, and just make their money. Have a summer to rest and recover. New goaltending and coaching staff in Edmonton next season.” – Oilers_Fan_30 via X
Oilers fans have every right to be upset. This is a team that has been labeled as a contender nearly every season with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They’ve had flashes of brilliance, but right now, they look more like pretenders than anything. A lack of identity, a lack of structure, and ongoing goaltending issues have all been long-term concerns the fanbase has been vocal about for years.
Edmonton will lick its wounds before facing the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at Rogers Place.
Breaking News
- Sunday Scramble: Oilers process continues to build 5-on-5 offence, the Tristan Jarry rumours and more
- The Oilers’ depth has stepped up recently
- Why the Oilers might have a hidden gem in Connor Clattenburg
- Matt Savoie scores again, depth goals, and Oilers’ third jerseys might be blessed by the Hockey Gods
- The Day After 29.0: Have the Oilers put their early season woes behind them?
