Edmonton Oilers’ Remarkable Turnaround Since Late 2024: A Stanley Cup Contender?

The Edmonton Oilers’ early-season struggles are now a distant memory. The team’s recent form since November 7th has been nothing short of impressive, with a record of 28 wins, 9 losses, and 3 ties (.738 points percentage). This transformation is nothing less than remarkable and has placed them at the top of NHL standings.

This tweet from Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer sums it up perfectly:

The @EdmontonOilers have the best record in the NHL since November 7th:

28-9-3 (.738)

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) February 6,2025

The Oilers’ Comeback: Not Perfect But Effective

While the Oilers are not playing their absolute best hockey, they are scoring points consistently. According to The Athletic’s stats guru, Dom Luszcyszyn, the Oilers are currently the best bet to win the Stanley Cup this season.

Key Improvements That Have Turned the Tide

General Manager Stan Bowman reflected on the team’s progression since the tough early season:

“The results weren’t there, but we actually were playing OK in October. Not as good as we are now. But a few things changed, our special teams improved, which made a big difference. Our goaltending improved as well.”

He emphasized that the consistency in all departments—special teams, goaltending, and dominant performances from key players—has led to their streak of success.

Defense Transformation

Early predictions suggested defense issues after losing Cody Ceci, Philip Broberg, and Vincent Desharnais. However, Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher filled pivotal roles effectively, supporting experienced players like Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and Brett Kulak.

As a result, the Oilers are now ranked sixth in the league in goals against per game, excellent company for a team with stellar defense.

Team Chemistry and Defensive Unit

Bowman highlighted the team’s cohesive play as a significant factor in their defensive excellence:

“Your defense as a team is not always the six defensemen. I was new to the team so I wanted to see how it went when the games began. We are a very in-sync group between the forwards and our defensemen.”

The forwards and defensemen work seamlessly as a team, often creating a unit of five players effective on most shifts.

John Klingberg’s Impact and Future Additions

The recent signing of John Klingberg from a long recovery period adds depth and skill to the defense. Bowman envisions Klingberg playing a significant role next to Darnell Nurse, creating further dynamics that can alter the team’s playoff prospects.

In preparation for the March 7 trade deadline, Bowman considers adding more defensemen, especially left-handed players to balance the current roster.

Forwards and Bottom-Six Adjustments

Up front, consider a possible reevaluation of roles for key players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He has versatile potential, playing both wing and center, which Bowman’s staff needs to assess further.

Jeff Skinner’s improved performance and role adjustment also play into the forward lines, potentially providing more depth.

Goaltending: Trust and Performance

Stuart Skinner’s consistent play since November, along with Calvin Pickard’s recent record, has solidified their performance. Bowman confirmed his trust in both goalies, indicating they are currently meeting expectations.

Maturity and Team Makeup

The standout impression Bowman has is the team’s collective maturity and competitive confidence. They handle adversity calmly, retaining a competitive edge despite tough situations.

“We just sort of stick with it. There’s a competitive confidence with the group. You’ve got to give the coaches and the leaders a lot of credit for that. They do a great job of not overreacting to when they face adversity in a game or a stretch of games.” – Stan Bowman

Conclusion: Heading Toward the Stanley Cup

The Oilers’ remarkable turnaround, major improvements, and cohesive team dynamic suggest they are ready to challenge for the Stanley Cup. The next few months will determine if they can maintain this form and depth, adding a championship to their legacy.

What do you think will happen next for the Edmonton Oilers? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe for more insightful hockey news!

(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)