Zach Hyman identifies the problem causing Oilers' slow start
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
In a recent article, Zach Hyman spoke his mind about the Oilers' slow start and its troubles on both offense and defence.
Interestingly, Hyman noted the significant turnover in the lineup, and also that players are struggling to find their roles with so much line changes.
I think for whatever reason, our starts haven't been the greatest, obviously,» Hyman said. «But I do see a lot of positives in our group, a lot of resilience, guys finding their game of late, and I think the last week has been really good, even if we haven't won every game.
I feel like the new guys are settling in, we've had a lot of turnover to our lineup,» he said. «It's not easy when you've got that much turnover to find your role, your place, where you fit in the lineup.»
I feel like the new guys are settling in, we've had a lot of turnover to our lineup,» he said. «It's not easy when you've got that much turnover to find your role, your place, where you fit in the lineup.»
Edmonton sits fourth in the Pacific Division with a 5-4-2 record and 12 points. Their offense has been somewhat inconsistent, averaging just a tad over three goals per game, according to NHL.com
The Oilers could certainly use the physical Zach Hyman, but more so his scoring; he's yet to play a game this season. The 33-year old underwent surgery in the offseason after getting hurt in the Western Conference Final, missing all of training camp.
Much of the team's frustration has come from its up and down play, sometimes showing why the Oiler's are contenders, and sometimes why they are only 4th in their division.
Following Edmonton's 3-2 loss to Seattle last Saturday, coach Kris Knoblauch said there was tension brewing in the locker room due to their slow start.
"I think there's some frustration [right now],» Knoblauch said. «We expect more out of ourselves, and playing better.»
Then in the game against Vancouver, in which Leon Draisaitl scored two goals in their 4-3 overtime loss, the current Rocket Richard winner showed his own frustration.
«Obviously, [Draisaitl] he's frustrated with the way things have been going right now," Knoblauch continued, "and [that] we're not winning more games than we have been."
Currently, Edmonton is 28th in 5v5 goals per game at 1.6. Only the Rangers, Panthers, Flames and Wild have scored fewer goals 5v5.
In addition, Connor McDavid has zero 5v5 goals in his first 10 games and one powerplay goal. Of course, he will score more than eight goals this season, but his lack of goals and shots is a big reason Edmonton's offence hasn't been firing at capacity.
Having Zach Hyman on his wing will certainly go a long way toward correcting the team's offensive stats.
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