What Happened
According to Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers' 8-1-1 start under new coach Mike Babcock has been powered partly by a stylistic change. Edmonton has moved away from a run-and-gun approach and is dumping the puck in far more often at five-on-five, at 61.9 per cent compared with 46.4 per cent last season. That shift has coincided with tighter defensive numbers and fewer rush chances against.
Key Details
- Oilers dump-in rate at five-on-five is 61.9 per cent, second in the league, up from 46.4 per cent (31st) last season.
- Opponents' offensive-zone possession time at five-on-five is down 43 seconds against Edmonton.
- Opponents are averaging about three fewer rush scoring chances per game.
- Edmonton ranks fifth in expected goals against per game in all situations.
- Last season the Oilers were 19th in expected goals against per game and 28th in goals saved above expected.
What It Means
The change addresses a weakness that hurt Edmonton last season, when its transition defence slipped and opponents generated rush chances at a high rate. By dumping the puck in more and managing it better, the Oilers are limiting odd-man rushes and reducing the load on goaltenders Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry. Sportsnet notes Connor McDavid's scoring start is the primary driver of the record, with the system change a secondary factor.