NHL analyst PK Subban rips into Edmonton Oilers for major team issue
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
Despite having won its game against the Blue Jackets, former-NHLer turned ESPN analyst criticized the Oilers for the overall lack of commitment from its players.
Win or lose.Oilers gotta wake up! Too many passengers!! your best players always have to be your best players but where is everyone else!? Too many guys comfortable! Oilers gotta get comfortable with the uncomfortable fast! Gotta pay a bigger price to have success! Execution, D-zone coverage, managing the clock, the game! Gotta be better! Tough to watch!
Get in line PK, Oilers fans have been saying this all season, though the former-defenseman did make some good points that the team would do well to take into account.
Against Columbus, McDavid recorded an astounding 10 of Edmonton's 16 Grade A shots, which was the first time in four games that his team had more than the opponent. So, the Oilers need to create more Grade A chances - check.
Another point that PK made was that outside of the top forwards, not many others are creating offense and intensity. In fact, only Curtis Lazar helped create a Grade A shot against the Blue Jackets. With Connor's 10, that's 11 of the team's 14. Where's the help?
The Oilers' overall intensity and work-ethic must also improve, if they hope to qualify for the post-season this year. How did PK put it, 'they have to pay the price?'
According to analyst David Staples, the Oilers aren't taking the body, covering off the slot, back-checking smartly and aggressively. The small battles are where the game is won.
Now, Subban being Subban, it's not the first time he's laid into Edmonton. Last winter, he said this about the 2024-25 iteration of the club:
I actually love watching Edmonton play! They are just too easy to play against in their own zone. Too much emphasis on McDavid, Leon, etc, and the superhero offense to always get it done. You need to win tight games with your defense.
GM Stan Stan Bowman has constructed a top-level defense over the last two seasons, and before this year, has shown why it's rated as one the NHL's best.
It must now return to playing like it can, and shutting-down the offense, while creating its own from the Blueline. If it does that, the Oilers stand a chance of having a good road-trip.
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