Oilers Under Fire After Loss to Bruins on New Year's Eve

The Edmonton Oilers closed 2025 with a New Year’s Eve 6-2 loss to the Boston Bruins at Rogers Place. Boston set the tone early, scored twice in the first period and stayed in control throughout the night.

Edmonton had 36 shots on goals to the Bruins’ 29 but lacked a finishing touch when chances appeared. Missed defensive coverages and penalties kept the Oilers chasing the game from the get-go.

Connor McDavid again stood out in the tough loss, assisting on Zach Hyman’s first-period goal and extending his point streak to 14 games.

That moment gave Edmonton a brief life, but the response faded quickly. Jack Roslovic scored in the third period, though that only pulled the Oilers within 5-2. The loss came as Boston snapped a six-game losing streak.

The game followed a month of steady roster moves. Edmonton traded its starting goalie, Stuart Skinner, to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry. However, Jarry got injured, and the Oilers had to recall Connor Ingram from the AHL.

On top of that, the Oilers have shifted several players between the NHL and Bakersfield. Other recent moves in December include placing Noah Philp on waivers and the return of Roslovic.

Frustration poured out online after the final horn, with many fans airing their feelings on X.

“Shocked at what I just saw. Boston had been playing absolutely awful before this game,” a fan said.

“As usual, 97 (McDavid) is the only one to show up,” another fan commented.

“Gonna be a long losing streak coming if this team doesn’t play better than that. Got some challenging teams coming up. Anyways, happy New Year, everyone,” a fan said.

A few fans pointed to deeper issues within the Oilers.

“This team is considerably worse in terms of depth now compared to this time last year. Our bottom-six forwards are legit potatoes…,” another fan commented.

“Pathetic. Too many blowout losses in our own barn this year,” another added.

The Oilers’ decision not to choose Calvin Pickard as the starting netminder on Wednesday also drew heat.

“I don’t understand why Pickard wasn’t the starter tonight, coming off the best game of his season. Not a good game for the Oil,” a fan said.

The Oilers return to action on Jan. 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Edmonton enters at 20-15-6, while Philadelphia sits at 20-12-7.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Oilers Under Fire After Loss to Bruins on New Year’s Eve

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