Photo: Brian Murphy, All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Authored By: Adrian Rosati

The Edmonton Oilers deservedly faced some heat after firing head coach Mike Babcock. It doesn’t take long to search on X to find out why. Mike Babcock’s winning resume is quite clear: Stanley Cup (2008), Olympic Gold Medals (2010 & 2014), and World Cup Of Hockey (2016) to name a few. After the Oilers first-round exit last year, it was clear that a change behind the bench was needed. So far, it’s been working out, and the numbers don’t lie.

At this point last year, the Oilers had five points through six games. Now? They have 17 points in 11 games (the season started a week and a half earlier last year). That’s an twelve, equivalent to six wins. Sure, with five extra games played, that accounts for five of those wins, or ten points, of that difference. But what’s been encouraging about this start is the noticeable change in how they play. And the fact that the difference is a five game winning streak is equally insane. It should excite Oilers fans about the possibility of this momentum carrying through the entire season.

The Oilers’ defence has been a weak spot, especially considering the money they’ve spent on their star-studded forward group. But before this most recent three-game stretch, they had allowed two goals or fewer in five of their previous six games. That’s impressive for a team that struggled out of the gate a year ago. The Oilers’ hot start has also put their captain on pace for a potential career year. Connor McDavid is on pace to record 252 points this season after notching two assists on Saturday night against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.

The single-season points record currently belongs to Wayne Gretzky, who recorded 215 points. McDavid is on pace to surpass that mark by 37 points! While some regression is inevitable, this start puts Gretzky’s record within reach as the season progresses.

Another star-studded breakout is coming from Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard is coming off a 95-point campaign, but his hot start has him on pace for 160 points. The last time we saw a defenceman reach the 100-point mark was Erik Karlsson in 2022–23. If Bouchard were to surpass that plateau, he would put himself firmly in the conversation for the Norris Trophy.

The Oilers are currently tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for the league lead, with two games in hand. They’re sending a clear message: the time to win is now. Their early-season success is already providing some validation for the decision to make a change behind the bench.