The Athletic explains why the Edmonton Oilers’ recent surge in five-on-five scoring is a positive development.

In the fast-paced, high-octane world of the NHL, offense often steals the spotlight. Teams that can light up the scoreboard with their dynamic play, elite forwards, and creative schemes are usually among the most successful. The Edmonton Oilers, a team that has long been synonymous with offensive firepower, are no strangers to being one of the league’s top scoring units. However, one area that has often been a point of concern for the Oilers in recent seasons has been their five-on-five scoring. While they have historically thrived on the power play, the Oilers’ ability to generate offense at even strength has sometimes been a point of contention.

But this season, something has shifted. The Oilers are experiencing a surge in five-on-five scoring, which has significantly impacted their overall performance and has far-reaching implications for the team’s championship aspirations. For a team that has long been known for its lethal special teams and high-scoring power play, the Oilers’ recent uptick in even-strength offense represents a crucial development that could be the key to their success come playoff time.

Five-on-Five Scoring: A Vital Aspect of Team Play

Before delving into why this surge in five-on-five scoring is a positive development for the Oilers, it’s important to understand why five-on-five play is so critical in the NHL. While power plays and penalty kills can swing the momentum of a game, especially in the playoffs, five-on-five play is the backbone of any successful team. It’s the portion of the game where the teams are at their most balanced, where skill, system, and discipline all come into play.

Five-on-five scoring is essential for a number of reasons:

1. Sustainability: Power plays can be inconsistent, and penalty kills can sometimes be a burden on a team’s energy. Having a well-rounded offensive game at even strength ensures that a team can sustain pressure throughout a game and not rely too heavily on special teams to win games.
2. Consistency: A team that consistently scores at even strength is generally a more balanced team, capable of generating offense regardless of the game’s circumstances. When a team is effective at five-on-five, they can create more chances and wear down opposing defenses.
3. Playoff Success: During the playoffs, the refereeing tends to be more lenient when it comes to penalties, meaning power plays are less frequent. Teams that rely too heavily on special teams can find themselves at a disadvantage if they can’t generate offense at five-on-five.
4. Depth Scoring: Five-on-five play requires the contributions of all players on a team, from the top line to the bottom pairings on defense. If a team’s bottom-six forwards and third-pair defensemen can chip in offensively at even strength, it gives the team depth that is difficult for opponents to match.

For the Edmonton Oilers, the recent surge in five-on-five scoring has meant that they are not solely reliant on their power play to generate offense. They are beginning to show the kind of offensive depth that could propel them into a more sustainable, playoff-ready version of themselves.

The Surge in Five-on-Five Scoring: What’s Changed?

Several factors have contributed to the Edmonton Oilers’ recent surge in five-on-five scoring, and this improvement can be traced back to both individual player development and coaching adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed for the Oilers:

1. Improved Depth Scoring

One of the most notable changes in Edmonton’s offensive play this season has been the improvement in their depth scoring. In past seasons, the Oilers were often heavily reliant on the brilliance of their top line, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to generate offense. While that duo remains one of the most potent in the league, the Oilers’ bottom six has stepped up significantly this season. Players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jesse Puljujärvi, and Kailer Yamamoto have provided valuable secondary scoring at even strength.

This added depth has been crucial to the Oilers’ success, as it takes pressure off McDavid and Draisaitl to carry the entire offensive load. When the bottom six is scoring consistently, it forces opposing teams to respect the entire lineup, making it more difficult for them to shut down Edmonton’s offense.

2. Better Puck Movement and Offensive Zone Play

Another key factor in the Oilers’ five-on-five surge has been their improved puck movement and offensive zone play. In previous years, the Oilers could sometimes be too predictable in their attack, relying on their stars to make individual plays or trying to force pucks into the high-danger areas. This season, however, the Oilers have looked more fluid in their offensive zone entries and puck cycling, leading to better shot opportunities and more sustained pressure.

One of the standout developments has been the improved play of Evan Bouchard, who has grown into a more dynamic and confident offensive defenseman. Bouchard’s ability to move the puck effectively from the back end and his increased participation in offensive zone pressure has allowed the Oilers to maintain control of the game more often. The increased contributions from defensemen like Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm have also allowed the Oilers to generate offense more effectively at even strength.

Additionally, the Oilers are doing a better job of entering the offensive zone with speed and precision. Quick zone entries, crisp passing, and good puck support in the offensive zone have all contributed to the Oilers being able to generate more sustained pressure on opposing defenses.

3. McDavid and Draisaitl Playing More Unselfishly

While McDavid and Draisaitl remain the focal points of Edmonton’s offense, both have shown signs of playing more unselfishly in recent months. While these two superstars are undoubtedly capable of taking over a game on their own, they’ve also been working on getting their teammates more involved in the play.

This is particularly important for the Oilers’ five-on-five play. By finding their teammates in better positions and distributing the puck more efficiently, McDavid and Draisaitl are creating more balanced scoring opportunities. Their ability to draw defenders and open up space for others is a key reason why the Oilers have seen an uptick in even-strength goals from players outside their top two lines.

4. Coaching Adjustments and Tactical Changes

Head coach Jay Woodcroft has been instrumental in implementing changes that have led to a more structured and effective five-on-five system. Since taking over behind the bench, Woodcroft has instilled a more systematic approach to the Oilers’ play, focusing on responsible puck management, better positioning, and more coordinated team play.

Under Woodcroft’s guidance, the Oilers have focused on improving their transition game—getting the puck out of their own zone quickly and using speed to generate offensive opportunities. The emphasis on better puck management and positioning has allowed the Oilers to control the flow of games more often, making them more dangerous at even strength.

Woodcroft has also emphasized defensive responsibility and neutral-zone control, which directly impacts five-on-five offense. By limiting opponents’ chances in the neutral zone, the Oilers are able to generate more offense off the rush and avoid getting caught in their own zone.

5. Goaltending Stability

While goaltending doesn’t directly correlate with five-on-five scoring, the stability in goal has also been a factor in the Oilers’ overall performance. With Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner providing reliable performances between the pipes, the Oilers have been able to focus more on their offense without constantly playing catch-up. Goaltending stability gives the team confidence in all areas of the ice, and with more consistent saves being made, the Oilers can press forward in a way that doesn’t leave them vulnerable to counterattacks.

What Does This Mean for the Oilers Moving Forward?

The Oilers’ recent surge in five-on-five scoring bodes well for their future prospects. Here’s why this development is so significant:

1. Increased Playoff Viability

As mentioned earlier, the playoffs tend to be more stringent when it comes to special teams. With referees less likely to call penalties in high-stakes games, teams that rely on power plays can find themselves struggling to generate offense at even strength. By increasing their effectiveness in five-on-five play, the Oilers are positioning themselves as a more complete team capable of competing with the league’s best when the games matter most.

2. Deeper Playoff Runs

In the postseason, depth is often the difference between a team that exits early and a team that makes a deep run. The Oilers’ improvement in five-on-five play, including their depth scoring, means that they are better equipped to handle the grueling demands of a playoff series. If they can continue to rely on contributions from all lines, not just their top two stars, they will be a more difficult team to shut down.

3. Improved Team Chemistry

The Oilers’ surge in five-on-five play speaks to improved team chemistry and buy-in across the roster. With McDavid and Draisaitl playing more unselfishly and everyone chipping in offensively, the Oilers are building a more cohesive team. This unity and commitment to team play are critical in a sport like hockey, where success depends on collective effort as much as individual brilliance.

 A Bright Future for the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers’ recent surge in five-on-five scoring represents a significant and positive development for the team. With improved depth scoring, better puck movement, more balanced contributions from all players, and a more systematic approach under Jay Woodcroft, the Oilers are positioning themselves as a more well-rounded team. This improvement could be the key to their success in the playoffs, where five-on-five play becomes paramount. As the Oilers continue to refine their offensive game, they will be an even more dangerous team, capable of making a serious push for the Stanley Cup. The future is bright for Edmonton, and this surge in five-on-five scoring may be just the beginning of what could be a championship-caliber run.