NHL Analyst reveals Connor McDavid, Oilers’ Stanley Cup Playoffs weakness originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There is arguably not a better collection of talent in the NHL than the Edmonton Oilers. Coach Kris Knoblauch was handed the opportunity to scheme arounds guys like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. While they have not yet gotten their fairytale ending at the Stanley Cup Playoffs, those dreams are far from over. However, they should be wary of a certain Achilles heel that was pointed out by renowned NHL analyst E.J. Hradek.

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What is going to cause Edmonton’s downfall?

The road to the Stanley Cup Playoffs is still very long and far ahead for the Oilers. As of the moment, they are third in the Pacific Division with 68 points and a record of 30-24-8 throughout 62 games. Although, it is a foregone conclusion for most NHL squads that McDavid and Knoblauch are going to reach the postseason.

Along with this success and late-season push comes some woes, Hradek outlined why it would lead to another ‘bridesmaid and not the bride’ situation, via NHL @ The Rink.

“They’re thin, but yet, you just can’t ever count out 97 and 29. They find a way. In a seven-game series they’re a nightmare to deal with… Their goaltending isn’t great and they don’t defend well, but those guys are so good. Who wants to be in a seven-game series with those guys? I mean, ask the L.A. Kings; just year after year beaten out. Like, they’re going to make the playoffs. I’m pretty sure they’re going to make the playoffs,” the NHL analyst declared.

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All of these proclamations about the McDavid and Draisaitl-led Oilers remain true. Currently, they have allowed 207 goals against them which ranks at 27th in all of the NHL. So, Edmonton clearly needs to address their defense and goaltending if they wish to finally hold the Stanley Cup by the end of the 2025-26 season.

“Now unless they fall into a situation where they become the last wild card and have to go through the Central, that’s a bear, but as long as they stay on the Pacific Division side of things, I mean, who’s to say they’re not going to get to the conference final again with that group even with goaltending that is shaky and even with that roster?” Hradek added.

Draisaitl and McDavid can clearly carry the Oilers to wins but Knoblauch does not have a lot of depth after that. In terms of goaltending, Jarry does not look like the same player from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In just 12 games, he has allowed a whopping 40 goals on an 86.3% save percentage. He also just notched six wins in that span of time and a single shutout.

There is a lot of work to do for the Oilers in order to cover up their thin rotation. Will they be able to fix these woes?

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