One reason for optimism through three games for the Edmonton Oilers
By Jim Lynch
Through three regular season games, the entire focus of the Edmonton Oilers fanbase has revolved around one thing, the goaltending and how porous it has been thus far.
One reason for optimism through three games for the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have played just three games so far this season. They have lost to the Vancouver Canucks twice and have beaten the Nashville Predators in their latest game this past Tuesday, which included a highlight reel goal from Connor McDavid.
The focus around the Oilers thus far has been rather negative. Even though the team has only played three games, the narrative has been their goaltending is not good enough and this team could be in trouble. While the goaltending duo of Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner might be a problem, only time will tell. Three games is not enough time to draw any conclusions on that.
There are still some reasons for optimism for Edmonton. One line worth mentioning has to be the second line consisting of Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Warren Foegele.
Obviously the Oilers do a lot of line juggling throughout the game with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. But through nine minutes of play during five on five, the second line of Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins and Foegele have combined for two goals and six scoring chances.
Another line worth mentioning would be the Foegele, Ryan McLeod and Dylan Holloway line which saw 14:03 minutes of ice time together at five on five thus far. While they have not registered any goals yet together, they have put together a team leading 15 scoring chances despising starting just 33% of their faceoffs in the offensive zone, via natural stat trick.
The Edmonton Oilers issue the past few seasons has been depth. Obviously Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are going to amaze and put up a lot of points, but what the rest of the team does while they are not on the ice matters just as much. So far, there have been a few lines that have shown glimpses of being viable options for the team.
The Oilers next face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.