Photo by Fawn Mitchell
The current Edmonton Oilers remind me of the Chicago Blackhawks of my youth. Absolutely loaded with iconic talent, from Bobby Hull to Stan Mikita, with Tony Esposito in net, the exceptional Bill White defending and Pat Stapleton handing the offense from the defense. The gap between the elite talent on the roster and the secondary talent was the Grand Canyon and the team suffered because of it. Sound familiar?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN NOVEMBER
- At home to: Chicago (Expected 1-0)
- Road: Blues, Stars (Expected 1-1-0)
- At home to: Avalanche, Blue Jackets (1-0-1)
- On the road to: Flyers, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes (1-2-0)
- On the road to: Sabres, Capitals, Lightning, Panthers (1-2-1)
- At home to: Stars (1-0-0)
- On the road to: Kraken (0-0-1)
- Expected Record: 6-5-3, 15 points in 14 games
- Actual Record: 5-4-3, 13 points in 12 games
The Oilers could go on one of those patented Kris Knoblauch winning streaks, but there isn’t much cohesion I can see between the defense and the forwards. There’s a distinct lack of confidence in players like Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, and maybe that’s something Paul Coffey did accomplish while behind the bench.
I do not believe Coffey was an innovator tactically, but this version of Edmonton’s blue looks like the sons of Marc-Andre Bergeron. Until the defense gets the swagger back, and my guess is it has something to do with the gap between the blue and the forwards, this Oilers team looks very average.
That brings us to the Hull-Mikita level of the current Oilers. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are playing a ton of hockey, to the point where I believe it’s fair to criticize the head coach. You can say “well those players want the minutes” but the role of the coach isn’t to say ‘hello, can I take your order?” and Knoblauch is heading down an exhausting road for all involved.
Draisaitl’s five-on-five goal share (73 percent, 56 percent expected) and McDavid’s numbers (44 percent, 59 percent expected) suggest the captain is being hornswoggled and I’ll buy it. Perhaps regression is a big part of what’s happening here.
On the other hand, this team is not at their best. Until further notice, you’re going to read many things about the 1969-74 Chicago Blackhawks. Things like Chico Make getting time with Bobby Hull on a line that saw the Golden Jet score 58 goals and Maki just 7. That’s just incredible. Then again, Vasily Podkolzin scored 8 goals while playing much of the season with Draisaitl (52 goals) just one year ago.
These are trying times for all involved. The current hope for the top two left wingers (all numbers five-on-five) are Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (two goals in 12 games) and Podkolzin (one goal in 12 games). On the right wing,it’s Andrew Mangiapane (two goals in 12 games) and Roslovic (one goal in 10 games). Meanwhile, Ike Howard has two goals in 11 games and doesn’t play much, and Noah Philp has two goals in six games and doesn’t play at all.
Matt Savoie’s status for tonight is in question, seemed to tweak something at yesterday’s skate. Damnable luck and that’s for sure.
I’ve been writing this blog for 22 years and can say without doubt that this team is more interesting than all of the past teams outside 2005-06, 2023-24 and 2024-25. I don’t see this team making the Final in 2026. They aren’t good enough and the kids who might be able to help remain on the outskirts. The top of the roster is Hull-Mikita and the defense looks like the 2016-17 crew that (Sekera and Klefbom aside) were not ready for prime time.
Will the Oilers win tonight? Hell if I know. They have the talent, and I believe they have the desire. Sometimes things don’t work out, and if you’ve followed NHL hockey for any length of time, then you know who pays for that sin.
What we’ve learned about Edmonton Oilers lines after an uncertain October
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6763566/2025/11/01/edmonton-oiles-lines-schedule-stats-2025/
This article and today’s blog post seem out of sync, to borrow a popular phrase. The one is more optimistic (realistic, given the numbers you quote?); the other quite down in the mouth. I’m wondering why?
ps. Those Blackhawks were a force. I remember them well.
Which of the articles is more negative than the other? The Athletic article has many negative items in it, as does this one. I agree the general tone is negative. I believe that’s fair.
I’m not sure… Is that the most pessimistic Lowetide quote of the McDavid era?
Oh no. There have been worse. Trust me.
Very well written article, Allan. This team is out of sync and I’ve almost lost interest in watching them. I think losing Coffey was a big deal, the defense is out sorts especially Bouch and Nurse. If they don’t find an elite goalie soon, this season is a write off even if they make the playoffs. Just my 2 cents of course 🤔
Evergreen post from November 1 of each of the last two seasons.
They still have the wildcard if and when Bowman chooses to use it. I don’t think Bowman will pull the trigger until he sees what he has in Ingram who’s still getting into game shape.
That card could be playable in 2026.
I read this blog post first, and found it had a tone of resignation. Reading the Athletic piece after, I noted critical observations, but the tone -to my ears- wasn’t resigned. If anything, your critical assessment of the numbers suggests development in a team that is working things out -to my ears the tone is even. More than that, I would say the tone of your Athletic piece is positive.
I’m not sure “working things out” describes the product I have been watching on the ice.
in every jays fan, a heartache…
Pods did a great job ragging the puck and preventing the Hawks from getting a change in order to tee it up for the top dogs.
Nice to see everyone jazzing Bouch up.
As an Oiler fan, I think Bouch has played his way off Team Canada The margins are so thin, the national team can’t afford a careless giveaway or 10 at the blueline. They’ll have more than enough offence with Makar.
Ok? Neat story
Win.
Nice game by the Birthday Boy. Happy Birthday Stuart Skinner.
Sign him immediately the man is playing on a Dead Man Walking contract.
Beauty of a finish!
The vaunted BouchBunt for the winner!
Ekholm will never score again.
The Glimmer Twins (and Bouch) best the Knight in White Satin.
I enjoy watching Mr. Draisaitl play hockey very much.
Fun fact no team in league has more regulation wins than overtime wins this year
Game management, gambling influence.
Frederic skates like a guy with one good leg, high ankle sprains are a beech.
I hate the Dodgers.
But I hate anything coming out of Toronto including the RogersMapleJays WAY more.
So I thank them for their service.
Now I can go back to just hating the Dodgers.
I hate everything Toronto but the Jays. We lived rural when I was a kid and had only two channels so it was Jays everyday after school or nothing.
Baseball always bored me a bit but I’m liking the black and white of the rulebook more and more these days. I wonder why…
In Leafs fashion, Blue Jays choke. Glad m not really a baseball fan, or this would crush me. Imagine spending thousands of dollars to go to one (or both) of the final two games, only to see them implode.
Yep – crushing loss is right. They had a great season but blowing a series lead, and 2 run lead in game 7 in front of your home fans and with an entire nation watching is going to go down as one of baseball’s greatest choke jobs.
Heck of a close series though. Could have gone either way.
It’s the LOBs that kill you.
Multiple runners in scoring position left on in Games 6 & 7.
Crusher.
Yeah. It was theirs to win
Nah, they mostly played great ball with the exception of some base running errors. Shit happens. Wish it was the Leafs though. I’d be giddy.
Yeah, now I know how the Phillies fans felt. Frking Hoffman.
Bouchard is an effing disaster out there.
Jays and Oilers both blowing it tonight.
Summarizing!
Lafreniere scored his 10th of the year and added an assist, along with a game-high 6 SOG.
Lewandowski and Fischer each had an assist.
Park, Barnett, Berry and Wakely were denied soup and so shall have to subsist on carrot tops instead.
Philp! Arrrrrg!
Yup. Did not tie his man up.
Another … stupid, careless, brain-dead turnover by Bouchard.
I don’t know – looked like he was served a grenade.
Not that turnover, the previous one. I know with the Bouchard turnovers coming rapid fire it’s hard to keep them all straight.
Roslovic!
“Paint me like one of your French girls, Jack” as Roslovic buries a masterpiece feed from Connor.
Philp looking rusty out there.
No judgement. Anyone even watching this game?
Yup. Watch Philp get scratched for the penalty taken.
Funny, I was going to say the same thing.
I was just thinking that same thing
I’m watching both.
Oof. Walman.
No! Man.
Plenty of time on the clock for that laser from Neon Leon.
That one will count – great pass by Nuge and elite finish by Drai!
5 outs to go……
3 outs to go. 4-3 nail biter!
Leo could shoot the puck from the slot there……
Samuel Jonsson with his second shutout of the week – 15 saves but he made them all.
Yesavage with 5 straight balls. OK there’s a strike!
Basebrawl!
Whoa Vladdy with an amazing diving catch to end the inning!!!!!
Looks like a positive hire for the Oilers.
https://oilersnation.com/news/one-of-the-nations-top-recruiters-edmonton-oilers-hire-andy-slaggert-director-of-north-american-recruiting
One legged Bo makes sure he doesn’t have run hard and hits a monster!
Boba Fett knocks one into low earth orbit
Go Jays!
Not sure if its been mentioned but Connor Ingram is playing for the Greensboro Gargoyles – must be on loan.
Day and Jonsson are splitting in Fort Wayne.
Interesting development. Thank you for the update.
If it gets him more games, so be it
I know Vlafdar was a bit of a wildcard signing but we watched him first-hand with having a steadiness quality. I know Stan is checking every nook and cranny but Vladar was staring in our face for 3.5mil for 2-3 years. I was surprised Calgary let him go but their plan is tank for the new Arena and Cooley gave them a better chance.
History also tells us you only get so many kicks at the can (CUP). Edm has had 4 solid playoff runs and lost to the CUP Champs 4 years in a row. Epic Run. Unfortunately they were not able to win it all.
They looked terrible going into the playoffs last year, then flipped a switch.
I agree with LT, not going to get back to the final this year (although I said that last year).
One thing is clear – the roster is one of the oldest in the league and that doesn’t help the next 2 – 3 years.
Hope they take care of business tonight ! Will be watching right after THE JAYS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!
I’m getting nervous I do think Mad Max will have a clean 3 innings to begin tonight.
What the hell was Springer doing there?
Hopefully they don’t pay for Bichette not being able to run.
Scratch that
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Clattenburg scores. Nice to see.
Lol I was just going to post the exact same nice to see comment. Clattenburg get’s the Condors a big point tonight. I was following the game and then it went cold. Anyhow huge goal for the Kid that who just needs time to learn his craft as he has all the talent plus that leader quality. This Kid is making it to the NHL and will stick longer then most pundits think.
Not sure what happened as I posted in the goal in real time.
A wonderful transition pass by Leppanen to spring Dineen on the 2 on 1. Dineen shoots far side, off the pad and Clatteburg buries the rebound.
Clattenburg was up with Samanski today and had a good game.
Leppanen going full Bouchard – great play as mentioned but the horrid recognition of Frk on a goal against and hor-awful on the OT losing goal.
Condors dominate 3 minutes of OT and get scored on 10 seconds after giving up possession. Leppanen defends a 2 on 2 but ends up at the blue line 2 seconds later as the man in front scores the winner.
Leppanen with a wonderful transition pass to Dineen to spring a 2 on 1 – he shoots off the pad and Clattenburg buries his first pro goal to tie in with 3:06 to go
Carfgana doing a spin-cycle in front of the net, not being able to find the puck or the man and its 3-2 Wranglers.
Definitely a call-up option.
Samanski with a power transition, dishes to Jarventie (now playing wing) even with the defender, blows past him in on net for a chance.
Jarvenite at center in the 1st was not good – back on wing.
Knob talks about needing Philp to help on the PK if he’s going to stick.
It would probably help if he was used on the PK.
Maybe the coaches don’t like what they re seeing from him in PK practice. Was Philip a main PKer with the Condors?
Yes, PK1 with Matt Savoie as his partner.
I do remember he was used on the PK in the pre-season some. Seemed like the team was stuggling with things and there was talk that overall they were being too passive. So maybe that’s what’s clouding the coaches opinion.
But – they have been more aggressive since the real games have begun so to your point, give the man a chance. He can win a faceoff.
Speaks to why the coach over-uses 97/29 on PK’s – comes down to who he trusts – and short-term anyway, it’s worked. But at what cost.
Knoblauch doesn’t like the cut of Philp’s sideburns
KK just jealous because he can’t grow any.
I’m positive that I’ve seen Philp take faceoffs in the defensive zone while on the pk.
Philp has 36 second of PK TOI this season – 2 face-offs, lost both.
Condors dominating the last 10 minutes.
With 14 seconds left, after some HUGE pressure, Marjala gets the puck with time and space and actually looks up at the clock before dishing down to Hutson who puts one on net, a scramble, it pops out and Leppanen rips it home with 3 seconds left in the second.
Tie game.
Rem Pitlick given credit – must have gone off him.
Leppanen and Majala with the assists.
Condors with about 1min of pressure on the 4 on 4 – Samanski to Dineen, he circles for 10 seconds and then snipes one home from the top of the circles.
Leppanen being Leppanen.
A bad pinch but he does recover to make it a 2 on 2 against which turns in to a 3 on 2 and he is totally oblivious of the third guy, Frk of all people, driving the net behind him and he takes an easy pass for a back-door tap in. It became a 2. on 1 for Leppanen but he was oblivious.
Next shift and the Condors lose a 3 on 3 battle behind their net, the puck is passed to the guy in the slot, all alone – 2-0.
It was a sleepy first 17 minutes, very low event, couple chances each side but the Wranglers just scored two in short order – no chance for Tompkins on either.
Frk can shoot the puck like a MotherFrker
a Pulujurvi muffin could have put that one in – back door tap in.
Yes, Frk has a scary shot – has killed the Condors over the years.
Frk Frk sakes!
Will always remember watching Frk for 3 seasons as a Moosehead, ending his Junior career with us as a Memorial Cup champ. They were a fun, talented team, great memories. I thought he would end up with more of an NHL career but it doesn’t always work out that way.
Frk around and find out.
Perfect partner for Bouchard.
So we have a Bouchard replacement on the farm when he is traded. Great news.
Some random person on X. I haven’t verified.
https://x.com/bonejrp/status/1984109703413338518?s=46
Soupy was unlucky in that there was someone else there to take his job.
Skinner is very lucky that there is no one else available to take his job
I was hoping and still am optimistic for Ingram. We’ll see.
The mob was all over Jack after the 1st game Skinner has been given the longest runway in Oilers Netminder history. I’ve never seen the local talking heads or media cover for Stu like they do. I know Stu is a local and and a nice guy but do your job and report the numbers accurately. If not for his famous 2-3 game stretch every 10 games where he gets that Save Percentage up to .899 he would be long gone.
Ryan,
The OP is framing the Jack Campbell record incorrectly.
He had closed out the previous season going 4-0 0.935 2.20. With a horrible stretch preceding that with an 0-4 record where he had given up 24 goals in 4.25 games. Prior to that he was 17 – 8, including an 8-game winning streak, where he was excellent to not good.
The next season he had a very strong pre-season but went 1-4 .873 4.50. He was also a very streaky 31 year old journeyman who had worn out his welcome.
Also note, Skinner turned 27 today and has 101 career wins in 182 games (55.5%). Jack Campbell’s last NHL game was November 4, 2023. He finished with 93 career wins.
Also of note, Devan Dubnyk was 3+ months shy of his 28th birthday when he played his last Oilers game. He finished with 61 wins in 171 games in E-Town (35.7%) and went on to finish with 192 more over the next 7 seasons.
Thanks for finding this. A couple things I noted:
(1) Playoff games are excluded for Jack but included for Stu, probably because Jack’s playoff games in 22/23 were all in relief (4, with 1 come from behind OTW). If Jack had been successful in the role he was signed for, he would have been the playoff starter.
(2) Stu’s last 41 games played includes 15 playoff games (more pressure/higher quality of competition),
(3) during the 41 games for Jack, the Oilers scored 4.27 goals/60,
(4) during the 41 games for Stu, the Oilers scored 3.24 goals/60,
(5) Jack’s contract was a factor at 5 years/$25m in terms of expectations not being met and a free agent signing with less investment compared to Skinner being an Oiler draft pick