The Edmonton Oilers, a team woven deeply into the fabric of the National Hockey League’s storied history, continue to make waves in the 2024 NHL season. With a legacy defined by the dynastic years of the ’80s and the unmatched prowess of Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ present and future appear just as promising.
If you are following the 2024 NHL Season and want to, then you should learn more about the top favorite team in the league this season. That said, we have dissected the team’s performance, highlighted key players, and speculated on their path in the 2024 NHL season.
The Oilers’ Season Overview
The 2024 season for the Edmonton Oilers can be characterized by resilience and innovation. Amid the fierce competition in the Pacific Division, the team has showcased a blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent, navigating through challenges with remarkable strategy and skill.
That said, the Oilers are doing amazing this season. The team is the second favorite to win the 2024 Stanley Cup, with +800 NHL odds. Although they fall to the second favorite team from being the number one favorite, they are still considered one of the strongest teams this season.
The team has faced ups and downs since the first half of this season. But they keep putting out their best in each game they participate in.
Their last game, against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, proved they are indeed one of the best teams this season. Zach Hyman scored a natural hat trick, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a decisive 7-2 win against Washington.
Leon Draisaitl contributed significantly to the Oilers’ success with a goal during a power play and three assists, bolstering their recent record to 7 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss in their latest nine matches. Similarly, Connor McDavid played a vital role, scoring a goal on a power play and assisting in two more.
Darren Foegele and Connor Brown were also added to the scoreboard. In goal, Stuart Skinner secured the win with 23 saves. Hyman is approaching a personal milestone: He is just four goals away from 50 goals, significantly surpassing his previous best of 36 last season.
Although the Oilers’ winning streak is over, they still have a long road ahead, which means they could still turn the tables in their favor.
Star Players and Key Performances
When Zach Hyman inked a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million (averaging $5.5 million annually) with the Edmonton Oilers on July 28, 2021, as a free agent, he wasn’t recognized as a top-tier goal scorer. This contract followed his six-season tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Teaming up with Edmonton’s captain, Connor McDavid, during this season has significantly elevated Hyman’s game. He achieved his fourth hat trick of the 2023-24 season in a decisive 7-2 victory over the Washington Capitals at Rogers Place on Wednesday, culminating in 46 goals over 63 games.
This 31-year-old forward is poised to become the 7th player from Edmonton to reach the 50-goal milestone. Hyman is the first player from the Oilers to achieve four hat tricks in a single season since the legendary Wayne Gretzky did so in the 1986-87 season. In the current season, only Auston Matthews from the Maple Leafs has outpaced him in goal scoring, netting 55 goals in 66 games.
With this feat, Hyman is now tied for the second-highest goal scorer with Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers, who has participated in three additional games.
Another key player of the Edmonton Oilers is Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl excels on the ice with his remarkable skating ability, leveraging his velocity to execute plays swiftly. His agility and balance enable him to dodge opponents and perform swift maneuvers skillfully.
He possesses rapid acceleration from a standstill, can outpace defensemen with impressive speed, and adeptly changes directions heading toward the goal. His hockey intelligence is outstanding.
He anticipates teammates’ movements, knows the optimal moments for passing, and predicts the unfolding of plays. His strategic vision identifies pass routes and open spaces on the ice. Furthermore, he delivers the puck precisely and thoughtfully, demonstrating his adept shooting and passing capabilities.
The Backbone Of The Team
Like all other NHL teams, the Edmonton Oilers’ backbone is their head coach, Kris Knoblauch, born on September 24, 1978.
Originating from Canada, he has established himself in professional ice hockey, taking on roles as both a past player and a renowned coach. Presently, he serves as the head coach for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL), following his tenure as the head coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Following Knoblauch’s arrival, the Oilers embarked on a winning streak, securing victories in sixteen consecutive games. Their performance saw notable enhancements in various metrics, with the most significant improvements observed during the season’s initial half.
Conclusion
The 2024 NHL season is shaping into an exciting chapter in the Edmonton Oilers’ history. With a blend of skill, strategy, and spirit, the team is poised to build on its legacy and captivate hockey fans worldwide. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Oilers to see if they can capture hockey’s ultimate prize.
