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The Edmonton Oilers stay favorites to win the 2025 Stanley Cup regardless of a shaky 2024-25 NHL season begin. With a 7-7-1 file after 15 video games, together with a 7-3 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday evening, the Oilers are in fifth place within the Pacific Division, six factors behind the division-leading Los Angeles Kings.
Regardless of these early-season struggles, oddsmakers nonetheless view the Oilers because the staff to beat. Present betting odds have Edmonton as the favourite to win the 2025 Stanley Cup at +800, barely forward of the Dallas Stars (+950) and Carolina Hurricanes (+1000), two groups enjoying impressed hockey. This speaks to the staff’s perceived potential and the idea that their present points are non permanent fairly than indicative of deeper issues.
Early Struggles (Once more)
The Oilers’ struggles this season are considerably harking back to their poor begin final 12 months after they started 3-9-1, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Jay Woodcroft. Nonetheless, beneath new coach Kris Knoblauch, the staff rebounded strongly and in the end reached the Stanley Cup Finals earlier than falling to the Florida Panthers. Those who know how to bet NHL perceive that rather a lot can change between now and the playoffs, however the Oilers’ play is regarding, notably at residence, the place they’re 2-5-0.
One of the vital regarding points of the Oilers’ efficiency up to now has been their particular groups’ play. Historically a power, Edmonton at present ranks twenty fifth within the league with an influence play proportion of simply 15.8%. It is a important drop-off from final season after they boasted the fourth-best energy play within the NHL. Much more troubling is their league-worst penalty kill, working at a mere 59% success price.
The Oilers’ offensive manufacturing has additionally been uncharacteristically low, with the staff scoring solely 40 targets of their first 15 video games (whereas giving up 48). That is notably shocking given the presence of offensive superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who mixed for over 200 factors final season.
Harm Scare
Talking of McDavid, the Oilers acquired a scare when their captain suffered an ankle injury in opposition to the Columbus Blue Jackets on October twenty eighth. Initially anticipated to overlook two to a few weeks, McDavid’s restoration progressed quicker than anticipated. He ended up sitting out solely three video games earlier than returning to the lineup on November sixth in opposition to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Oilers’ administration made a major dedication to their core within the offseason, signing Leon Draisaitl to a record-breaking eight-year, $112 million contract extension. This transfer, together with the continued presence of McDavid, underscores the staff’s perception of their capability to contend for championships within the coming years.
Lengthy Season
It’s price noting that the NHL season is a marathon, not a dash. With 67 video games of their regular-season schedule, the Oilers have ample time to proper the ship and climb the standings. The staff’s latest historical past suggests they’re able to extended stretches of dominant play, as evidenced by their turnaround final season.
The Oilers’ defensive efficiency has been comparatively stable, permitting 45 targets by means of 15 video games. This parallels prime groups just like the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings. If Edmonton can keep this defensive stability whereas rediscovering their offensive contact, they might shortly ascend the standings.
One issue that might contribute to an Oilers resurgence is the inevitable return to type of their star gamers. Regardless of lacking time with damage, Connor McDavid has nonetheless managed to file 13 factors in 11 video games. Leon Draisaitl leads the staff with 18 factors in 15 video games. The Oilers’ fortunes will doubtless enhance as these gamers proceed to supply and doubtlessly enhance their output to match earlier seasons.
The Oilers’ teaching employees will undoubtedly deal with bettering their particular groups play within the coming weeks. A return to kind on the ability play and penalty kill might present the spark wanted to ignite a profitable streak and propel the staff up the standings.
Whereas it’s too early to attract definitive conclusions concerning the Oilers’ Stanley Cup possibilities, their present struggles present an thrilling narrative to comply with because the season progresses. Will they overcome their early challenges and reside as much as their preseason billing as favorites? Or will their gradual begin show an excessive amount of to beat in a extremely aggressive Western Convention? Solely time will inform, however one factor is certain: with the expertise on their roster, the Edmonton Oilers stay a staff to observe within the 2024-25 NHL season.
