After a 4-4-1 record so far this season, the Edmonton Oilers rank fourth in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The team has nine points, following the latest defeat at the hands of the Seattle Kraken, who rank second in the same division with 12 points.

The Oilers fans have several theories about the team’s underwhelming performance this season. When one among them weighed in on social media with their opinion about the team’s deficiencies, several others followed.

Oilers Fans Struggle to Identify Root Cause of the Team’s Defeat

Jordan Eberle really came through in the Oilers’ battle against Seattle. The former Oilers winger scored twice and clinched a close 3-2 victory for Seattle at the Climate Pledge Arena. “We tried to limit their space, but ultimately they’ll find ways. So, we defended pretty well. We were a bit on our heels there in the third but found a way to defend and create some chances out of it and ultimately get a big one,” said Eberle in the wake of Seattle’s win against the Oilers, as reported by NHL correspondent Darren Brown.

Oilers fans, meanwhile, were left scrambling for answers. One social media user found it convenient to direct the blame towards Kris Knoblauch, touting “coaching problems.” The user believed that the team had a particularly deep forward, but was nonetheless struggling to score.

This is the deepest the Oilers have been at forward and they can’t score. They aren’t built to win 1-0 knob.

The Oilers have a coaching problem.

— dyln (@oilcuntree) October 26, 2025

The same user also highlighted the team’s good old goalie issues. They compared the Dallas Stars’ impressive goaltending situation to Edmonton’s. “I watched mason marchment give the puck away in his own zone two f***ing times and the Oilers didn’t automatically score because they have a good goalie. Every single mistake ends up in the back of the Oilers net. Goalies are meant to make big saves. F**k, this is frustrating.”

Another Oilers fan remarked that Edmonton, overall, seems disillusioned this season. “Rob Brown is right. What is the Oilers identity this season? What kind of team are they? I see a team who is lost and confused. I see a coaching staff that is lost and confused on what they’re trying to do. I see a coach who, in desperation, changes lines when one negative play occurs.”

Daniel Nugent-Bowman weighed in with his expert opinion as he reported on the Oilers’ defeat at the hands of the Kraken. “The Oilers lose 3-2 at SEA to fall to 4-4-1. Little happening at five-on-five, a common refrain this season. Not much jump from the superstars. The line blender was out in full force once again. Tough night for the Ekholm-Bouchard pair. Didn’t like the second goal for Skinner.”

The Oilers lose 3-2 at SEA to fall to 4-4-1. Little happening at five-on-five, a common refrain this season. Not much jump from the superstars. The line blender was out in full force once again. Tough night for the Ekholm-Bouchard pair. Didn’t like the second goal for Skinner.

— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) October 26, 2025

For a team that has made two consecutive Stanley Cup finals, the Oilers seem to lack the edge this season. Yes, it could be too early in the season to pass any judgments, but social media is already rife with theories. Will the Oilers be able to make the playoffs and hopefully the finals once again under Connor McDavid’s leadership? It remains to be seen.