NHL analyst reveals problematic underlying numbers for Oilers after 19 games

As the underlying numbers show, Edmonton is among the bottom-third in most categories, and their place in the Pacific Division supports that fact. They risk dropping even lower.

They currently sit 4th, with a record of 8-7-4 and 20-points, with a minus-9 goal differential. It doesn't take much to see that they give up more goals than they score, a recipe for failure.

As the 5v5 Goals For And Against chart also shows, Edmonton is struggling defensively and offensively, with an average of 2 goals for this year, and 3 against. You can't win games being outscored on average.

In fact, according to Natural Stat Trick, the Oilers only managed 3 high-danger scoring chances in last night's game versus Columbus, while the Blue Jackets had12; eventually, being out-chanced will catch up to a team, and turn to goals against.

All supporting details show that Edmonton is simply being out-played and outscored. Add to this poor goaltending, and you have a season that risks dropping further in the Pacific standings.

Yet, as of today, the Edmonton Oilers' power play is tied for the best in the NHL with a 35.0% success rate. The Oilers have capitalized on the man advantage to become a special teams strength, perhaps the main reason the team sits 4th and not last.

Edmonton can turn the season around with some small changes to how they play. They need the right goaltenders.