Quick summary of how the Edmonton Oilers compare with the rest of the western conference. And a little bit about the east.

Below are the even-strength (5v5) numbers for each team in the western conference (sorted by points percentage), including goal-share results as well as the shot-share metrics that give us a sense of which teams have the right processes in place and if the results are sustainable or not. At the end of the table are each team’s shooting percentage and save percentage. I’ve also applied a basic heat map to each metric to show which teams are doing well or struggling relative to their conference foes (i.e., green is good, red is bad). You can also find a description of each metric at the end of this article. Please note that the shot-share metrics are score and venue adjusted based on Natural Stat Trick’s methodology.

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All is well and good for Edmonton in the western conference as they’re sitting at a point percentage of 0.653. The concern is that their goaltending and team shooting percentage is below average, but it should gradually improve. I did notice that the good teams are separating themselves from the poor ones, and I doubt there will be little movement from the bottom-feeders. I’m expecting Vancouver to slide down a little more. And it’s worth monitoring Vegas, Winnipeg and Minnesota to see if they eventually slide. Edmonton should be able to move up further – but again it really depends on their goaltending and depth scoring.

I was also curious about how the contenders in the east are doing, and if there’s anything worth noting.

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The one team that stands out is Toronto as their shot-share numbers haven’t been great, but they’re getting bailed out by their goaltending. Tampa is another team hanging in there, and could move up. Same with Ottawa, but their having a lot of trouble finishing their chances. Carolina looks really good, and should eventually move up. Their issue, similar to Edmonton and Colorado, is goaltending.

Data: Natural Stat Trick