I joined Jessica Ng on CBC Radio Active to talk about the Edmonton Oilers, their poor start, some of the key underlying issues and the path forward. Full segment is here: CBC Radio Active (2023, November 6)

Topics we covered:

• The Oilers current situation, how far they’ve fallen in the division and the uphill climb from here to even compete for a playoff spot.
• The goaltending, and how poorly they’ve performed this season.
• Jay Woodcroft’s chances of being let go, and if that would accomplish anything.
• Rushing Connor McDavid back from injury to play in the Heritage Classic. Suspect he was also hurt in training camp based on his numbers and shooting percentage.
• What roster changes are even possible to get the Oilers back on track.
• The role Ken Holland has had in these results and his poor management abilities.

Thanks again to the team at CBC Edmonton for putting it all together!

Data: Natural Stat Trick

Other notes:

• The Oilers are currently taking the tenth highest rate of penalties.
• Among 58 goalies who have played 150 minutes (about 3-4 games), Campbell ranks 50th with a save percentage of 87.3%. Skinner ranks 55th with an 86.1% save percentage.
• McDavid’s shooting percentage this season has been 8.70%, all situations. His career shooting percentage is 15.5%. He’s not 100% healthy, and I think he was hurt before the game against Winnipeg.
• The Oilers penalty kill is allowing a league-average rate of shots against, but has one of the worst team save percentages – so they’re allowing the sixth highest rate of goals against.
• Depth scoring at even-strength is bad, scoring only once without one of the top-six forwards on the ice; their shooting percentage is around 1%. In the first ten games last season, the Oilers depth scored four goals; shooting percentage around 7%.