NHL Insider Bob Stauffer Admits a Hard Truth About This Year's Oilers in Scathing Post-Game Rant

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Liam McCormick
November 19, 2024 (2:41 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers were favoured to walk right back to the Stanley Cup Final this year, but so far, Insider Bob Stauffer says all the Oilers have proven is that they're not as good as last year.

After the Oilers lost 3-0 to the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens last night, Bob Stauffer went on a rant against the team that fans hadn't heard in some time.

Stauffer went after the Oilers on nearly every facet of their game against the Habs, and the trends that have been visible this season.

There's been a huge drop in special teams, finishing ability, and especially goaltending. The problems are mounting, and it's beginning to look like it's wearing on the team.

The Oilers have a mediocre record of 9-8-2 at the moment, barely holding on to a playoff spot. If it wasn't for some game breaking plays from McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers would almost be in a draft lottery position.

From top to bottom, the Oilers roster is a mess right now. The forwards aren't finishing their scoring chances, and the goaltending keeps finding ways to take them out of games. Stuart Skinner's struggles in particular this year have been atrocious, with a .877 save percentage.

That's really the core of the Oilers problems right now. Simply put, it's hard to win NHL games with two of the worst goalies in the league while they're not scoring much.

Edmonton's scoring should be able to rebound after a slow start, and the defence has actually been playing better than expected - but two goalies being below replacement value is the difference between wins and losses right now.

To get the most out of the Oilers offence, perhaps it might help to promote Jeff Skinner off the fourth line. Skinner's talent is wasted on the fourth line, with Knoblauch seemingly punishing him for defensive mistakes.

All over the roster, the Edmonton Oilers aren't meeting the standard they set for themselves last season. There still is time for them to turn it around and shoot up the standings this year.

It's also possible that Stauffer is right - the Oilers aren't as good this year. If this downturn continues, the Oilers will have to make immoderate moves to improve the team.