Oilers Beat Devils for Seventh Straight Win

The Edmonton Oilers got off to a horrible start in the 2023-24 NHL season, reaching bottom on after losing at San Jose on November 9th when their record dropped to 2-9-1. The Oilers then won three in a row, followed by a three game losing streak. Then on November 24th, Edmonton shut out the Capitals in Washington 5-0. This marked the beginning of a winning streak that reached seven games with a 4-1 win over New Jersey in Edmonton on December 10th. Edmonton reached the .500 mark for the first time this season at 12-12-1.

Why the bad start? After all, Edmonton was 2nd in the Pacific Division last season with a record of 50-23-9 (109 points) and a goal differential of +65, tied for 3rd best in the league. Two reasons: They had a hard time scoring, and they had a hard time keeping other teams from scoring. The Oilers scored 5 or more goals just twice prior to the winning streak, and scored two or fewer seven times, all losses. During the seven game winning streak, the Oilers are averaging five goals per game, while allowing just 1.71 goals per game. Connor McDavid, in the unfamiliar position of just being average, has been hot lately, getting a point or more in nine straight, including a goal and an assist in the New Jersey win. Defenseman Evan Bouchard has been on the scoresheet for 11 straight games.