The Edmonton Oilers’ sluggish start and dubious punishment don’t stop them.

The 2024-2025 NHL season began with high expectations for the Edmonton Oilers, a team loaded with superstar talent and championship aspirations. Boasting the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as well as a roster that included the likes of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and the ever-imposing Evander Kane, the Oilers entered the season with one goal: to break through and win the Stanley Cup.

But as the season got underway, the Oilers faced an unexpected and somewhat frustrating challenge: a sluggish start to their campaign. Despite the star power and the promise of their high-octane offense, the Oilers struggled to find consistency early in the season, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether this was just a temporary setback or a deeper issue.

Things were further complicated by a series of dubious officiating calls and penalties that seemed to hinder their ability to gain momentum. While the Oilers were undoubtedly frustrated by the decisions on the ice, they refused to let external factors stop them from pushing forward and striving for success. This article delves into the Oilers’ sluggish start, the impact of controversial calls, and how the team has worked to overcome the obstacles in front of them as they remain determined to make a deep playoff run.

The Sluggish Start: A Rocky Beginning

The Edmonton Oilers’ 2024-2025 season did not begin with the fanfare and dominance many had expected. Despite their talented roster, the team seemed to struggle with defensive inconsistencies, poor puck management, and an inability to convert on scoring opportunities in key moments. In the first 10 games of the season, the Oilers posted a subpar record, including several losses that were difficult to explain given the level of talent on their roster.

Part of the issue was goaltending. While Stuart Skinner, who had been a standout last season, was expected to take the reins as the starting goaltender, his performance in the early going was lackluster at best. His save percentage hovered below the league average, and he appeared to struggle with rebound control, often leaving pucks in dangerous areas that the opposition capitalized on. Jack Campbell, the backup goaltender, was not able to provide a more reliable option either, and as a result, the Oilers found themselves in tight games where the slightest mistake could cost them.

Additionally, the defense, which had been an area of concern in previous seasons, continued to plague the Oilers. While players like Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Cody Ceci are capable defensemen, they struggled to execute simple plays and breakouts early on. The defensive zone coverage was often porous, and opponents routinely found ways to generate chances off turnovers or odd-man rushes.

On the offensive side of the puck, McDavid and Draisaitl were their usual dynamic selves, but they were often left to carry the team alone. Secondary scoring was an issue early on, with the Oilers’ depth forwards failing to consistently contribute. Zach Hyman, who had been a key piece in previous seasons, struggled to find his scoring touch, while the acquisition of Evander Kane, expected to add physicality and goal-scoring depth, did not immediately pay dividends.

The Oilers’ special teams also left something to be desired. Their power play, which had been one of the league’s most potent in recent seasons, struggled to generate consistent pressure. On the penalty kill, they were unable to suppress opposing power plays, allowing too many quality chances.

This sluggish start was further amplified by the sense of urgency surrounding the team. With McDavid in the prime of his career and Draisaitl continuing to assert himself as one of the top players in the league, many felt that this was the Oilers’ best chance to win the Cup in years. The fact that the team wasn’t firing on all cylinders from the start led to growing concerns among fans, analysts, and even the players themselves.

Dubious Punishment: Controversial Calls and Penalties

As if the slow start wasn’t frustrating enough, the Oilers’ journey was further complicated by a series of controversial calls and questionable penalties that seemed to go against them at inopportune times. NHL officiating has always been a topic of debate, but during the 2024-2025 season, the Oilers found themselves the victims of more than their fair share of dubious calls.

One of the most memorable incidents came during a crucial game against the Calgary Flames, where the Oilers were trailing by a goal late in the third period. With just minutes remaining, McDavid appeared to be tripped in the offensive zone while driving to the net. The crowd at Rogers Place erupted, expecting a penalty to be called, but the referee allowed the play to continue. The Flames went on to score an empty-net goal, securing the win and sending the Oilers into a tailspin.

In another game, a questionable high-stick penalty on Darnell Nurse, which led to a five-minute major, left fans and players baffled. The penalty came at a time when the Oilers had been building momentum and had a chance to tie the game. The call was reviewed, but the penalty stood, much to the displeasure of the Oilers’ bench and coaching staff. In the ensuing power play, the opposition capitalized, putting the game out of reach for Edmonton.

The penalties didn’t stop there. The Oilers also found themselves on the wrong end of several boarding and interference calls that appeared to be soft or inconsistent with similar infractions going uncalled on the other side. The disparity between the calls left the Oilers frustrated, and the team often seemed to find itself in penalty trouble at the worst possible moments, derailing their comeback efforts.

While it is no secret that all teams face controversial calls over the course of a season, the Oilers seemed to be on the receiving end of an unusual number of these instances during their sluggish start. These penalty calls compounded the team’s difficulties, and at times, it felt as though the Oilers were fighting an uphill battle not only against their opponents but also against the officiating.

Despite these challenges, the Oilers refused to use the controversial calls as an excuse for their struggles. Head coach Jay Woodcroft repeatedly emphasized the importance of focusing on what they could control, rather than dwelling on the referee’s decisions. “There are always going to be calls that don’t go your way, but it’s how you respond that matters,” Woodcroft said after a particularly heated loss. “We have to continue to play our game and stay focused on the bigger picture.”

Overcoming Adversity: How the Oilers Have Stayed Resilient

Despite the early-season struggles and the frustrations surrounding controversial officiating, the Edmonton Oilers have remained focused on their ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup. After the sluggish start, the team began to show signs of improvement as the season progressed, particularly on the defensive side of the puck. Skinner’s game began to stabilize, and the defensemen tightened up their play, reducing the number of turnovers and breakdowns in their own zone. The addition of veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm during the previous season had already started to pay dividends, and his leadership on the blue line became even more valuable as the season wore on.

On the offensive end, the Oilers’ depth players began to contribute in a more consistent manner. Hyman found his scoring touch, and Kane started to play more physically, generating energy for the team and creating scoring chances. Additionally, the Oilers’ power play, although slow to start, began to click again, thanks in large part to McDavid and Draisaitl’s chemistry, as well as the playmaking abilities of Evan Bouchard, who emerged as a key contributor on the back end.

The team also began to gel more as a unit. The leadership of McDavid, Draisaitl, and captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, along with the voice of Woodcroft behind the bench, helped to keep morale high, even during tough stretches. The Oilers maintained a strong sense of belief in their abilities, and that belief began to pay off with improved results.

By midseason, the Oilers had found their rhythm and started to climb the standings. Their penalty kill, which had struggled in the early part of the season, became more effective, and their special teams as a whole returned to being one of the league’s most dangerous. Skinner’s resurgence in net was also key, as his improved play allowed the Oilers to rely on his stability while the offense did its part.

The Road Ahead: Playoff Aspirations

As the 2024-2025 season moves into the second half, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves back on track, despite the challenges they faced at the beginning of the year. The early struggles, along with the controversial penalties and calls that seemed to work against them, have only fueled the team’s determination to succeed.

With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, and a roster that is beginning to fire on all cylinders, the Oilers remain one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. They have learned to overcome adversity, both on the ice and off, and their ability to bounce back from a sluggish start shows their resilience as a team.

Ultimately, the Oilers know that the road to a Stanley Cup will not be an easy one. But as they continue to build momentum and play their best hockey of the season, they are proving that no amount of adversity or controversial calls will stop them from pursuing their ultimate goal: bringing the Cup back to Edmonton.