The Oilers team knows the answer to their problems.

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Ryan Hall
October 28, 2023 (10:20)

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As the Oilers approach the 10-game mark of their young season, the situation appears to be spiralling out of control. The team is struggling to find its footing and score points. The issues plaguing the Oilers extend across every facet of the team.

The fan base and the media have been raising questions that are growing louder with each consecutive loss. It seems that head coach Jay Woodcroft, who had the team firing on all cylinders last year, is struggling to motivate them, and may have lost control of the locker room.

With Connor McDavid sidelined due to injury for a minimum of two weeks, the team must find a way to generate offence. Key players like Connor Brown, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins need to step up.
Nugent-Hopkins expressed his displeasure when asked about the team's struggles.

"Everybody needs to step up," he said after the game. "We don't have time to hang our heads and get frustrated. We know where we're at. It's early, but changes need to happen now."

He emphasized that each needs to look in the mirror and strive for improvement.

Apart from offensive struggles, the defence has been a significant question mark and a disaster this season. With Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard in the lineup, along with Darnell Nurse, the Oilers are having difficulty keeping the puck out of their end, let alone out of their net.

Combined with inconsistent goaltending, this situation has the potential to lead to a disastrous season. It's important to note that these problems are occurring early in the season, and it's better to address them now rather than when trying to secure a playoff spot.

However, every point is crucial, especially in the competitive Western Conference, where margins are tight, and teams cannot afford extended losing streaks.