3 takeaways from Edmonton Oilers' 5-2 loss to Chicago Blackhawks

The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2024-25 regular season and were considered one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup, especially after falling short this past spring of their first title since 1990. However, the start of this season is looking eerily similar to last year.

The Oilers dropped to 0-2 in the early goings of this season following Saturday night's 5-2 setback on home ice at Rogers Place to the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. Combined with their 6-0 loss to the Winnipeg Jets earlier in the week, they've been outscored 11-2 in both contests.

Philipp Kurashev opened the scoring for the Blackhawks, deflecting the puck past goaltender Calvin Pickard for the game's first tally.

Edmonton's scoring drought was finally ended by veteran Corey Perry, who scored the first Oilers goal of the season after his pass attempt deflected off a Blackhawks player past goaltender Petr Mrazek.

However, the Blackhawks would score the next three and enjoyed a 4-1 lead midway through the third period.

Leon Draisaitl would score a power-play goal to cut Chicago's lead in half, but they could get no further. Teuvo Teravainen would cap the scoring with a power-play goal late in regulation.

Pickard allowed five goals on 20 shots, while Mrazek had a strong game with 36 saves.

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3 takeaways from Edmonton Oilers' 5-2 loss to Chicago Blackhawks

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#1. Oilers' goaltending remains a concern

The Edmonton Oilers made a change in net after Stuart Skinner was pulled from the season opener, having allowed five goals.

However, Pickard didn't fare any better and was victimized for five goals. Edmonton's goaltending is viewed by many as their Achilles Heel, and the performance of both netminders in the first two games is sorely lacking.

#2. Special teams aren't performing

Edmonton's penalty-killing unit has significantly struggled, having yielded six power-play goals against in six opportunities in the first two games.

#3. The Oilers can't fall into another early-season hole

Last season, the Edmonton Oilers fell into a 3-9-1 hole before firing coach Jay Woodcroft and replacing him with Kris Knoblauch. And now, the current Oilers bench boss must find a way to have this year's team avoid the issues of last year, which begins by not being so easy to play against.

“Disappointing,” Knoblauch said. “Everything needs to be a little better — five-on-five, power play, penalty kill.

“Keeping our game simple is important," he continued. "Usually when you keep it simpler you dig in, you win more battles, you make fewer mistakes. You ultimately make the game harder on the opposition. Right now, we’re not making it hard on the other team.”

The Edmonton Oilers will take on their provincial rival Calgary Flames on Sunday and will be looking to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole to begin the year.