"It’s basic hockey" - NHL insider highlights Edmonton Oilers' 'deepest and darkest area of concern'

According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, the Edmonton Oilers’ defense is their biggest concern. Speaking on "Edmonton Sports Talk Radio," Dreger said the team struggles to clear the puck and start offensive plays. This has made Edmonton inconsistent, as stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl don’t get the support they need.

“We’re going to be talking for a long time, until or unless management does something, about that defence." Dreger said on Monday, via Edmonton Journal. "It does seem like that’s the deepest and darkest area of concern from a defensive and an offensive perspective. It’s pretty obvious.

"It’s basic hockey. If you don’t get the puck out of your own end, or you can’t transport the puck, into the hands of McDavid and Draisaitl, and go down the list of all the offensive weapons they have, that’s going to be a problem. And it has been. It’s what I think has put this team in a place of wild inconsistency." Dreger added.

Dreger added that the Vancouver Canucks’ recent trade for Nikita Zadorov suggested that Edmonton could make a similar move. However, the Oilers have limited assets and cap space standing at $377,381, per Puckpedia. They have already traded their 2025 first round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers to acquire Sam O'Reilly. Now, they must use their resources carefully.

The Edmonton Oilers are 11-9-2 this season, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division. Leon Draisaitl leads the team with 16 goals and 30 points, while Connor McDavid has 17 assists.

Despite strong efforts from their top players, the Oilers face challenges. They average 2.91 goals per game, ranking 19th in the league. Defensively, they allow 3.14 goals per game, which is a concern. Their power play is struggling at 15.8%, placing 26th, and a league-worst penalty kill at 70.9%. The Oilers need to improve their special teams and defense to stay competitive.

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Edmonton Oilers defeated Rangers 6-2 in last game

The Edmonton Oilers earned a solid 6-2 win over the New York Rangers at Rogers Place on Saturday. Vasily Podkolzin opened the scoring late in the first period with a strong glove-side shot. Darnell Nurse added a short-handed goal which gave the Oilers a 2-0 lead after the first period.

In the second, Leon Draisaitl scored and Evan Bouchard followed with a wrist shot to make it 4-0. Artemi Panarin answered for the Rangers and made it 4-1.

Connor McDavid shined in the third, scoring twice. Panarin added a late goal but the Oilers’ strong play secured the win. Stuart Skinner made 32 saves for Edmonton.