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Why the Oilers’ slow start is more concerning this season

2 1
11.11.2025
Disappointing starts to the season have been an annual tradition in Oil Country over the past few years. The 2025-26 Edmonton Oilers are continuing the trend, sporting an underwhelming 6-6-4 record through 16 games.

Edmonton is no stranger to poor finishing, goaltending issues, and defensive mistakes in the first handful of games. Still, there are some disturbing trends this time that make me pause and wonder if this is the year they don’t turn it around. Is it simply another hangover, or are the Oilers really in trouble this time? Let’s compare this year’s slow start to years past.

Special Teams

Starting with possibly the only positive so far, the Oilers’ power play has been electric, and their penalty kill has improved, too. Last season, Edmonton was -9 on special teams through the first 16 games, but this season, they’re 5.

They’ve done a fantastic job moving the puck around down low on the man advantage. Their 13.6 Goals/60 at 5-on-4 ranks first in the NHL and is their best rate through 16 games since 2021-22.

The penalty kill got an overhaul this offseason, switching from a triangle 1 formation to a diamond and the early returns are positive. Kris Knoblauch is also utilizing McDavid and Draisaitl on the kill, a new development that’s leading to more short-handed scoring opportunities.

It’s been a solid start for both the power play and penalty killing units. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this movie before, and it doesn’t have a happy ending. Dave Tippett’s Oilers started the season 13 on special teams through 16 games in 2021-22, but it wasn’t enough to carry them through the whole season. A good process at 5-on-5, in addition to special teams, is required to be a Cup contender.

Goaltending

Poor goaltending has been a staple of Edmonton’s early-season struggles over the last few years. They’ve sported a negative Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) and sub-900 SV% as a team through their first 16 games in each of the last four seasons.

The Oilers replaced their goalie coach, Dustin Schwartz, this summer and hired Peter Aubrey, hoping to improve the results from........

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