The Edmonton Oilers are playing well as they approach the Four Nations break.

As the 2024-2025 NHL season progresses, the Edmonton Oilers are finding themselves in a strong position heading into the Four Nations break. Their recent form, led by a combination of their high-powered offense and improving defensive play, has demonstrated the kind of balance necessary to contend for the Stanley Cup. The Oilers have long been known for their offensive firepower, particularly with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but this season, they’ve shown a more complete game. With the Four Nations break on the horizon, it’s the perfect moment to evaluate the Oilers’ current standing and how their recent success bodes well for the second half of the season.

The Role of the Superstars

The Oilers’ high-flying offense has always started with McDavid and Draisaitl, and this season is no exception. McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is putting up ridiculous numbers again, showcasing his unmatched speed, vision, and playmaking ability. Draisaitl, always a force in his own right, complements McDavid perfectly, bringing his elite shooting and power-play prowess to the forefront.

However, this season, it feels like the Oilers are finally finding a way to win consistently even when McDavid or Draisaitl isn’t lighting up the score sheet. Of course, both players have had their fair share of remarkable individual performances, but the team has evolved beyond just relying on their two stars. Both McDavid and Draisaitl have embraced their roles as leaders, not just through their play but in setting the tone for the team’s overall work ethic and consistency.

McDavid’s leadership has been particularly notable this season. He is playing at an exceptionally high level, but there’s a noticeable shift in how he’s guiding the team. His willingness to drive to the net, backcheck with intensity, and create plays for his teammates has helped elevate players around him. Draisaitl, always an offensive juggernaut, is also showing a newfound commitment to both ends of the ice. The results speak for themselves, as the Oilers have been more balanced offensively and defensively, with McDavid and Draisaitl playing key roles in both.

Depth and Secondary Scoring

While the Oilers have always been a top-heavy team, their depth is starting to show significant improvements this season. Beyond the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, other players have stepped up to take on larger roles and contribute offensively. Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are all enjoying strong seasons, with each player adding a different element to the team’s offensive structure.

Hyman, for instance, has become a key figure in the Oilers’ middle-six, contributing not only with goals and assists but also with a gritty work ethic that complements the team’s fast-paced style. Kane’s physicality and ability to score from tough areas of the ice have been pivotal, while Nugent-Hopkins’ two-way play and power-play prowess have been vital. This increased depth scoring is important for the Oilers, as it helps to reduce the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl, giving them more room to operate while also ensuring the team has a balanced attack.

The presence of players like Hyman and Kane has helped create a better overall team dynamic, and it’s been evident that the Oilers are playing more as a unit. The days of one or two players doing all the heavy lifting appear to be behind them, with the team benefiting from strong contributions across all four lines. This balance has given the Oilers the consistency needed to climb the standings and keep pace with the league’s best.

The Defense: A Work in Progress

While the Oilers’ offensive prowess has always been their calling card, their defense has often been a point of concern. However, as they approach the Four Nations break, there are signs that the Oilers are finally addressing their defensive shortcomings. The team’s defensive core has been more reliable this season, with players like Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and Cody Ceci playing important minutes in both even-strength and special-teams situations.

Bouchard, in particular, has taken a significant step forward. Known for his offensive abilities, he’s become more confident in his own end, using his size and skating ability to shut down plays before they develop. His increased awareness in the defensive zone has been crucial in allowing the Oilers to become a more well-rounded team.

Nurse, on the other hand, has continued to anchor the blue line with his physical play and leadership. While he’s often tasked with tough minutes against the league’s top competition, Nurse has been effective at limiting chances and contributing to the Oilers’ transition game. His ability to make an impact on both sides of the puck has been a big part of the team’s growth defensively.

Ceci’s steady play has also played a role in stabilizing the defense, offering the team a reliable option in a second-pairing role. While the Oilers’ defense is still not perfect, there has been a noticeable improvement in their ability to limit high-danger scoring chances and maintain structure in their own zone. This progress bodes well for their playoff aspirations, as a solid defense is crucial when it comes to deep playoff runs.

The Goaltending Situation

The Oilers’ goaltending has been another area of concern in past seasons, but this year, they seem to have found a more stable situation between the pipes. Jack Campbell, who struggled last season, has shown signs of regaining his form. His ability to make key saves in tight games has helped bolster the Oilers’ defensive confidence. Campbell’s resilience has been crucial, especially when the team goes through rough patches, and he’s demonstrated the mental toughness needed for a long NHL season.

Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ promising young goaltender, has also played an important role. His calm demeanor and ability to make timely saves have provided the team with an additional layer of security. Together, Campbell and Skinner have given the Oilers a more reliable goaltending tandem than in years past, and this stability in net has allowed the team to play with more confidence, knowing that their goaltenders can make the big saves when necessary.

The improvement in goal has been a key factor in the Oilers’ success this season. In a high-scoring league like the NHL, having consistent goaltending is essential, and the Oilers are finally getting that from their duo. With both Campbell and Skinner playing well, the team is in a strong position heading into the Four Nations break.

Special Teams: Power Play and Penalty Kill

Special teams have always been a strength for the Oilers, particularly their power play, which is among the best in the NHL year after year. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers have one of the most potent power-play units in the league. The key to their success is not just the individual skill of McDavid and Draisaitl, but the movement and quick puck movement they generate. Their ability to exploit openings and create chances from all areas of the ice makes their power play nearly impossible to stop.

The penalty kill, however, has been an area of improvement for the Oilers. While they are not yet elite, they have become more disciplined and aggressive on the penalty kill, working to disrupt opposing teams’ power plays and generate short-handed opportunities. The emergence of players like Ryan McLeod, who excels on the penalty kill, has given the Oilers added depth in this area.

Overall, the Oilers’ special teams have been a big part of their success this season. The power play continues to be a game-changer, while the penalty kill has shown progress. As the team continues to refine its play on both special teams units, they will only become more dangerous as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead: The Four Nations Break

As the Four Nations break approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are in a strong position. With McDavid and Draisaitl continuing to lead the way, and with the contributions from a balanced supporting cast, the Oilers are playing the type of hockey that can carry them deep into the playoffs. The improvements on defense and goaltending have given the team the foundation they need to complement their offensive firepower. If they can maintain their strong play and continue to fine-tune their game, they’ll be a serious contender when the second half of the season resumes after the break.

The Four Nations break will offer the team a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge, but there is no doubt that they will return with a renewed focus and drive. The Oilers are primed for a strong finish to the regular season, and if they can stay healthy and maintain their current form, they’ll be a tough matchup for any team in the playoffs.