The Edmonton Oilers are running out of room in the Pacific Division race. They have 29 wins and rank fourth in the standings, but recent results have created pressure.
Edmonton has dropped five of its last six games, including road losses to the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. Defensive breakdowns continue to hurt, as the team allows 3.33 goals per game despite being one of the best offensive teams this NHL season.
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Captain Connor McDavid did not hide his frustration when asked about the standings.
“Yeah, it’s tight. It’s going to be a race coming down the stretch. We knew that,” McDavid said. “Obviously, that’s why the last two losses on the road trip have been so disappointing.
“Obviously, divisional teams that we need points against. Everybody’s searching for wins, the Senators included. So I would think this game will have that.”
Those setbacks loom large with the Ottawa Senators visiting Edmonton on Tuesday night. The Oilers are 15-10-4 at home and won the first meeting 3-2 in overtime. Still, McDavid admitted the group must reset quickly.
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“Obviously a big one tonight,” McDavid said. “No question about it. Haven’t liked those two losses [to Sharks and Ducks] on the last road trip. I thought we did enough to win those games. [But] found a way to lose them. So a big one tonight.”
Connor McDavid feels the solution is within the roster
Edmonton averages 3.5 goals per game, and McDavid leads the way with 35 goals and 68 assists for 103 points. Meanwhile, Evan Bouchard has added strong production from the blue line. Yet defensive lapses and an inconsistent penalty kill at 76.9 percent continue to offset that firepower.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) warms up before the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
When asked about management’s belief that the solution lies within the roster, McDavid agreed.
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“I do feel like the answers are in the room,” McDavid said. “Obviously, we’ve shown that we can play that way at times. It hasn’t showed up all the time. Needs to show up more certainly coming down the stretch.”
The Oilers know the margin is slim. Road losses have tightened the race and exposed flaws in their team game. If Edmonton wants to protect its playoff position, the response must start now.
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