Article content At its core, the Edmonton Oilers have all the chemical ingredients it takes to make success in the NHL. They wouldn’t have gotten to Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup final otherwise. This year, however, the team still is trying to rediscover the winning formula with just a handful of points to show for its first seven games.
All of a sudden, the things that seemed so easy that they were taken for granted during last year’s magical playoff run have evaporated into thin air. Sure, Connor McDavid is still Connor McDavid and is right back to his point-per-game tricks. But how does his wingman, Zach Hyman, fresh off the first 50-goal season of his career as one of three top scorers a year ago, have a grand total of zero points heading into Friday’s game (7 p.
m., Sportsnet One) against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins? How has the league’s best penalty kill in those playoffs come out of the gates as the league’s worst so far this season? How does the power play go from historical highs all of two seasons ago, to barely converting on 10% of its opportunities now? Obviously, pieces have changed here and there as the team tries to balance a top-heavy salary-cap situation that is only going to grow in complexity over time. But it’s still the same dressing room as last year with the same leadership group in it.
The same goal in mind. And a freshly drawn road map from last year to follow in order to get there. So, what has changed in having it all come toge.
