Oilers’ Hot Start Hides Questions About Their True Potential

Edmonton’s 7-1-1 record is accompanied by sub-50% five-on-five shot and chance shares, while strong expected-goal quality offers a counterpoint. A 13.5% five-on-five shooting rate and 31% power play may regress, and the weak penalty kill remains a concern. Early defensive gains under Babcock are still a small sample, with past strong stretches under Woodcroft cited as a caution about repeatability.