menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Sunday Scramble: Oilers process continues to build 5-on-5 offence, the Tristan Jarry rumours and more

3 6
09.12.2025
It’s amazing what practice will do for a hockey team.

You’d be tempted to say that practice may be overrated for a team that went to the championship twice in a row. But the Edmonton Oilers are prime evidence that sleeping in your own bed, getting into a practice routine, and playing in front of your home fans can help cure the team’s record woes.

Edmonton is now mid-way through this “hinge” stretch of the season, as I’ve dubbed it, and so far it’s hinging in the right direction. But maybe it’s these uniforms, which still don’t look very good, but winning in them makes them shine.

Record through the “hinge”: 3-2.

On deck:

  • Home to Buffalo on Tuesday
  • Home to Detroit on Thursday
  • At Toronto on Saturday for Hockey Night in Canada

Welcome back 5-on-5 offence

What’s refreshing is the return of dynamic 5-on-5 offence. While the Oilers’ goal share 5-on-5 is fifth worst in the league overall, sitting at 44.7 per cent, that changes dramatically if you look at the last 10 games.

They jumped up to 15th in the league in the past 10 games at 49.2 per cent (10 games ago was the Hurricanes game on Nov. 15th).

That is significant because their expected goal share during that stretch is also 15th, which suggests it isn’t just lucky, and it stands to reason Edmonton can continue climbing.

They have a -1 goal differential 5-on-5 in their last 10 games, which is also 15th in the league, and includes three games where they lost by three or more.

No doubt the Oilers’ home vibes have been soured by the dramatic no-show losses to Colorado and Dallas where they were outscored 17-4. As they should.

But overall, with the 6-2 victory over the Jets on Saturday, the Oilers are now 7-3-2 at home this season. Those three regulation losses are to the best teams in the conference in the Avalanche, Stars, and Wild.

As frustrating as it is that the Oilers have to scuffle, and drive some of their fans to the point of hysteria, the process seems to be building.

Their last four........

© Oilers Nation