Player grades: In Tampa, the struggling Edmonton Oilers are unable to perform well on either end of the ice.

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to high expectations. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are widely regarded as one of the most potent offensive teams in the NHL. Yet, despite their star power, they have struggled to translate offensive brilliance into consistent success, particularly in key games. One such game that highlighted their struggles was their encounter against the Tampa Bay Lightning in late February 2025. In this game, the Oilers were unable to perform effectively on either end of the ice, struggling both offensively and defensively. The game was a microcosm of the team’s overall issues, which have plagued them throughout the season.

In this analysis, we will dive deep into the specifics of the game, look at the performance of individual players, and explore the underlying problems contributing to the Oilers’ struggles. We will evaluate how the team’s weaknesses on both sides of the puck continue to undermine their potential, offering a critical breakdown of player grades, the systemic issues at play, and what this loss means for the team moving forward.

The Struggles of the Edmonton Oilers

In recent seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have been built around the brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the most skilled players in the league. However, despite these individual talents, the Oilers have consistently failed to build a complete, well-rounded team. Their struggles on defense, in particular, have been well-documented, with the team often failing to support its goaltenders and allowing too many high-danger chances. At the same time, while their offense is formidable, it is highly dependent on the production of McDavid and Draisaitl. This reliance on two players has meant that, when these stars are contained or silenced, the Oilers have difficulty finding other scoring threats.

In the game against Tampa Bay, this combination of defensive ineptitude and offensive inconsistency was on full display. The Oilers were unable to capitalize on their offensive chances, and their defense was porous, allowing Tampa Bay to dictate the play. Ultimately, the Lightning triumphed comfortably, 5-2, in a game that was never really in doubt.

Breaking Down the Game

Offensive Struggles

The Oilers’ offensive struggles in Tampa were emblematic of their season as a whole. Despite their offensive prowess, the Oilers were unable to break through Tampa Bay’s defensive structure, which was anchored by the ever-impressive Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Oilers’ power play, which is typically one of the league’s most dangerous, was stifled in this game. The team generated some chances but was unable to execute in key moments, allowing Tampa Bay to shut them down.

One of the critical issues for Edmonton was their inability to spread the ice and create opportunities for players other than McDavid and Draisaitl. While McDavid had some strong moments, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability, his efforts were often stymied by Tampa Bay’s tight defensive coverage. Draisaitl, on the other hand, was relatively invisible during key stretches of the game. His signature heavy shot was absent, and his physical play around the net wasn’t enough to create second-chance opportunities.

The Oilers’ depth scoring remains a significant concern. Players like Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane are expected to contribute offensively, but in games like this one, their production was minimal. Despite some solid individual efforts, the team lacked the cohesion and creativity needed to break down the Lightning’s defense. The Oilers’ failure to generate sustained pressure in the offensive zone meant that they were often stuck on the periphery, unable to force Vasilevskiy into tough saves.

Defensive Problems

If the Oilers’ offensive struggles were frustrating, their defensive problems were downright alarming. Throughout the game, Edmonton’s defense was porous and disorganized. They allowed Tampa Bay to generate a high volume of shots, with many of them coming from prime scoring areas. The defensive zone coverage was inconsistent, and turnovers in their own end allowed the Lightning to capitalize on multiple occasions.

The Oilers’ defense has been a weak point for several years, and while some improvements were made in the off-season, the team’s blue line remains a work in progress. In this game, Edmonton’s defensemen struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s top forwards, particularly Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Edmonton’s blueliners were often caught out of position, allowing Tampa’s forwards to find open space and create high-quality scoring chances.

The most glaring issue was Edmonton’s failure to protect the front of the net. In several instances, Tampa Bay was able to establish a net-front presence, where the Oilers’ defensemen were unable to clear the crease. This lack of physicality and defensive awareness allowed Tampa to score easy goals, with goaltender Stuart Skinner left exposed on multiple occasions.

While the Oilers’ defensemen deserve much of the blame, the forwards didn’t do much to help in their own zone. There was a lack of commitment to defensive responsibility, as players seemed content to focus on offense rather than helping out defensively. The result was a defensive collapse that allowed Tampa Bay to control the game.

Goaltending and Special Teams

Goaltender Stuart Skinner has been a steady presence for the Oilers throughout the season, but even he couldn’t save the team from their defensive breakdowns. Skinner faced 34 shots in the game, many of which were high-quality chances. While he made some key saves, he was ultimately let down by his defense, which failed to clear rebounds and allow him to settle into a rhythm.

On the special teams front, the Oilers’ power play was ineffective, going 0-for-3 on the night. Tampa Bay’s penalty kill was aggressive and disciplined, making it difficult for Edmonton’s power-play unit to set up. The inability to convert on the man advantage in a game where goals were at a premium was a significant disappointment for the Oilers.

Player Grades

Now that we’ve analyzed the team’s overall performance, it’s time to take a closer look at how individual players performed in this game. Here are the player grades based on their contributions:

Connor McDavid: B

McDavid had a decent game overall, contributing with a goal and showing flashes of his world-class talent. He used his speed to create chances and was the most dangerous player on the ice for the Oilers. However, he wasn’t able to break through Tampa’s defense consistently, and his efforts were stifled by the Lightning’s defensive structure. A stronger performance from his supporting cast would have helped McDavid make a bigger impact.

Leon Draisaitl: C+

Draisaitl had a quiet game, particularly in the crucial moments. He failed to get his usual heavy shot off and was largely ineffective in front of the net. His playmaking was lacking, and he struggled to generate much in terms of offensive zone possession. While he had some decent looks, his overall impact was minimal.

Zach Hyman: C

Hyman was invisible for much of the game, which is a disappointment given his skill set. While he’s known for his hard work and ability to drive the net, Hyman didn’t create much offense in this contest. His defensive zone play was also lacking, as he wasn’t able to contribute much in terms of puck retrieval or preventing turnovers.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: C-

Nugent-Hopkins struggled to make an impact in the offensive zone. His vision and playmaking ability were not utilized effectively in this game. He didn’t generate many shots or scoring chances, and his defensive play was also subpar. His struggles reflect the broader issues with Edmonton’s depth scoring.

Evan Bouchard: D+

Bouchard had a tough time handling the puck in this game. He was caught out of position multiple times and made critical turnovers that led to Tampa Bay’s goals. His struggles in the defensive zone were a major liability, and he failed to provide any offensive spark from the blue line.

Stuart Skinner: C

Skinner made some solid saves but was ultimately let down by his defense. While it’s tough to fault him for the goals he allowed—many of which were the result of poor defensive play—he could have been a bit sharper on a few of the rebounds. Still, it was a game where he was asked to do too much, and he wasn’t given enough support.