NHL: Oilers fine-tune details to race up standings
The Edmonton Oilers have been on fire since American Thanksgiving, making them the hottest team in the NHL. Their impressive 14-3-1 record in the past 18 games has propelled them into second place in the Pacific Division with a record of 25-12-3. This surge in performance is reminiscent of last season when they went on a remarkable 26-6 run after a coaching change.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch attributes their success to the team’s commitment to continuous improvement. Despite their recent wins, Knoblauch emphasizes the need to keep striving for better performance to stay ahead of the competition. The Oilers’ recent run of form is the best in the NHL over the last six weeks, with players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid leading the charge offensively.
Draisaitl has been a standout player, leading the league in goals and points over the past six weeks. McDavid has also been a key contributor, ranking fourth in NHL scoring since Thanksgiving. Other players, such as Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor Brown, and Evan Bouchard, have also made significant contributions to the team’s success.
One notable improvement for the Oilers has been their power play, which has become the best in the league over the past six weeks. Their success rate has increased from 15.8% to 23.8%, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities with the man advantage. Additionally, the team has been strong defensively, limiting opponents to an average of 26.3 shots against per game.
As the Oilers continue to fine-tune their game, players like Adam Henrique emphasize the importance of focusing on the details to maintain their success. With a complete team effort and a commitment to excellence, the Oilers are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs this season.
