This unexpected Oiler has been the leader behind the win streak

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Liam McCormick
January 27, 2024 (2:16 PM)

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Since sending down Jack Campbell and hiring Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers have been on an absolute tear shooting up the standings, and are now on a 15 game win streak. Many hockey fans around the league may expect that McDavid and Draisaitl have gone nuclear, but it's an unexpected Oilers forward who's been the motor for the team lately.

Over the course of the 15 game streak, the Oilers have been a force at even strength, and Warren Foegele is leading the way with the most 5v5 points on the team. Playing consistent second line minutes mostly with Draisaitl, Foegele's nearly at a point per game with 14 points in 15 games.

It's a true indication that the remaining problems on the Oilers' roster have corrected themselves. The team is getting good goaltending, good defence, depth scoring, and not relying on the powerplay anymore. As announcer Jack Michaels pointed out recently, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl aren't even carrying the team on this streak, and the Oilers usual biggest advantage in the powerplay isn't clicking yet.

These are extremely positive signs that the Oilers are seriously coming together as a team, and could become the kind of team that's a threat to go deep in the playoffs. No one player can be a reason behind a 15 game win streak, but Foegele's performance is absolutely a contributing factor, and a sign of other things improving. With meaningful contributions from role players like Foegele and others, along with the signing of Corey Perry, the Oilers are just cruising right now.