The Edmonton Oilers stay favorites to win the 2025 Stanley Cup regardless of a shaky 2024-25 NHL season begin. With a 7-7-1 file after 15 video games, together with a 7-3 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday evening, the Oilers are in fifth place within the Pacific Division, six factors behind the division-leading Los Angeles Kings.
Regardless of these early-season struggles, oddsmakers nonetheless view the Oilers because the staff to beat. Present betting odds have Edmonton as the favourite to win the 2025 Stanley Cup at +800, barely forward of the Dallas Stars (+950) and Carolina Hurricanes (+1000), two groups taking part in impressed hockey. This speaks to the staff’s perceived potential and the idea that their present points are momentary relatively than indicative of deeper issues.
Early Struggles (Once more)
The Oilers’ struggles this season are considerably paying homage to their poor begin final yr once they started 3-9-1, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Jay Woodcroft. Nonetheless, below new coach Kris Knoblauch, the staff rebounded strongly and finally reached the Stanley Cup Finals earlier than falling to the Florida Panthers. Those who know the best way to guess NHL perceive that rather a lot can change between now and the playoffs, however the Oilers’ play is regarding, notably at residence, the place they’re 2-5-0.
Probably the most regarding features of the Oilers’ efficiency to this point has been their particular groups’ play. Historically a energy, Edmonton presently ranks twenty fifth within the league with an influence play share of simply 15.8%. This can be a important drop-off from final season once they boasted the fourth-best energy play within the NHL. Much more troubling is their league-worst penalty kill, working at a mere 59% success charge.
The Oilers’ offensive manufacturing has additionally been uncharacteristically low, with the staff scoring solely 40 objectives of their first 15 video games (whereas giving up 48). That is notably shocking given the presence of offensive superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who mixed for over 200 factors final season.
Harm Scare
Talking of McDavid, the Oilers obtained a scare when their captain suffered an ankle harm towards the Columbus Blue Jackets on October twenty eighth. Initially anticipated to overlook two to a few weeks, McDavid’s restoration progressed quicker than anticipated. He ended up sitting out solely three video games earlier than returning to the lineup on November sixth towards the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Oilers’ administration made a big dedication to their core within the offseason, signing Leon Draisaitl to a record-breaking eight-year, $112 million contract extension. This transfer, together with the continued presence of McDavid, underscores the staff’s perception of their capacity to contend for championships within the coming years.
Lengthy Season
It’s value noting that the NHL season is a marathon, not a dash. With 67 video games of their regular-season schedule, the Oilers have ample time to proper the ship and climb the standings. The staff’s current historical past suggests they’re able to extended stretches of dominant play, as evidenced by their turnaround final season.
The Oilers’ defensive efficiency has been comparatively strong, permitting 45 objectives by way of 15 video games. This parallels high groups just like the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings. If Edmonton can preserve this defensive stability whereas rediscovering their offensive contact, they may rapidly ascend the standings.
One issue that might contribute to an Oilers resurgence is the inevitable return to type of their star gamers. Regardless of lacking time with harm, Connor McDavid has nonetheless managed to file 13 factors in 11 video games. Leon Draisaitl leads the staff with 18 factors in 15 video games. The Oilers’ fortunes will seemingly enhance as these gamers proceed to provide and doubtlessly improve their output to match earlier seasons.
The Oilers’ teaching workers will undoubtedly give attention to enhancing their particular groups play within the coming weeks. A return to type on the ability play and penalty kill may present the spark wanted to ignite a successful streak and propel the staff up the standings.
Whereas it’s too early to attract definitive conclusions concerning the Oilers’ Stanley Cup possibilities, their present struggles present an thrilling narrative to observe because the season progresses. Will they overcome their early challenges and dwell as much as their preseason billing as favorites? Or will their sluggish begin show an excessive amount of to beat in a extremely aggressive Western Convention? Solely time will inform, however one factor is bound: with the expertise on their roster, the Edmonton Oilers stay a staff to look at within the 2024-25 NHL season.
