Different year, same problems, that is the narrative to start the season in Edmonton. For reasons no one can explain, the Oilers cannot start games off properly. It has been a problem over the last few years and has continued to be the trend through these first two games. If you want to be a serious hockey team, you cannot spend every game hoping for a dramatic tale of the age’s comeback.
Is it time to hit the panic button? God no.
Give the team 5, 10, or even 15 games before you start screaming about who needs to go, who needs to stay, and what needs to happen. Everyone understands that their expectations are sky-high this year, especially the players. I will not speak on who has and has not been up to par; it does not matter. Obviously, this team needs to do two crucial things better: defend and show up on time.
As for Jack Campbell being pulled, who cares? Campbell was outstanding on Wednesday night and was integral to the Oilers comeback win. His play against the Flames was not poor, and the Oilers bled chances in front of him. If anything, I have a positive takeaway from the goaltending early on. Then, Stuart Skinner, better known as “Stu,” came in and showed that there should be no concern about his ability to step up when needed. Skinner made 31 saves and saved four goals above expected, shutting out the Flames in his best effort to rally his team to a comeback.
Another thing to point out is that the Oilers start the season on a six-game homestand. That is a perfect opportunity to correct course and hit the road on the right foot for the first time in a long time. The team should have time to gel, starting with the Sabres Monday night and with games every other day for the rest of the homestand. After the Sabres, the homestand will get more difficult with games against the Carolina Hurricanes, the St. Louis Blues, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In my eyes, other than the Sabres, the Oilers will have to be at their best to win, as many consider those three teams to be strong contenders for the 2023 Stanley Cup. With this set of circumstances, I hope the Oilers can win 3 out of 4 games left on the homestand.
I could continue to point out dozens of positives and negatives over the first 120 minutes of the season, but why bother? It is redundant. The team has simultaneously flexed its muscles and tripped at the starting line in both games. All they need to do now is pull out the iron and refine some things. Will they? It is yet to be seen, but one can hope. They have the talent and coaching to be the team they are expected to be, and in my eyes, it is only a matter of time before they get there.
