The Edmonton Oilers’ recent loss to the Nashville Predators did nothing to ease captain Connor McDavid’s frustration.
Although its roster hasn’t changed much since amassing 109 points last season, the Alberta team has struggled to pick up wins early in the National Hockey League season.
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“It’s a slow death. At least that’s what it looks like, the Ontario native imagined after his team’s 5-2 loss to the website NHL.com. We make a mistake and pay the bill. Another small mistake that causes a snowball effect. It’s difficult to always be behind.”
After ten games, the Oilers have won just twice and lost eight times, including once in overtime. Their only home win came at Commonwealth Staduim with a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames during the Heritage Classic.
Edmonton has struggled in its zone and ranks 30th in the National League with a goals-against average of 4.10.
“We’re having trouble all over the ice,” the center added.
In addition to the defensive problems, coach Jay Woodcroft’s team is struggling to score goals. His average of 2.70 goals per game puts him 23rd in Bettman’s circuit, tied with the New York Islanders.
The cannons cool down
Last year, Edmonton had the luxury of counting on its two best scorers of the season: Connor McDavid, who put up 153 points, and Leon Draisaitl, who put up 128 points.
So far, both players are not offering as much performance in the 2023/24 season as in the previous season.
After missing two games due to an upper body injury, the captain has 10 points. The German got his name on the scoresheet 13 times in 10 games. Taking into account the fact that they can remain healthy until April, they are heading for totals of 100 and 107 points, a far cry from their 2022-2023 crop.
“I could be better, I’m not playing at the level I expect of myself,” said McDavid, who says the injury doesn’t bother him.
The Oilers begin a three-game road series on Monday when they travel to Vancouver to take on the Canucks.