More Forward Changes Testing Oilers, But Team Finding Points

The Edmonton Oilers are off to a 2-0-1 start despite significant changes up front, proving they can find ways to win even when the offense hasn’t fully clicked. Ready to take on the New York Islanders on Thursday night, Edmonton will look for its third straight win, but also more goals, which haven’t been coming in bunches.

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Through the first three games, the team has scored just eight goals — only three at five-on-five — yet strong defense and goaltending (particularly on Tuesday against the New York Rangers) have kept them competitive.

Captain Connor McDavid was asked about points in the standings versus goals on the scoresheet and said, “We’re getting good looks. It just hasn’t gone in. We’re winning games. That’s all that matters.”

The Oilers have made significant changes that will take time to build chemistry. They are integrating six new forwards, including Matt Savoie, Ike Howard, Trent Frederic, David Tomášek, Noah Philp, Andrew Mangiapane, and Jack Roslovic as they adapt to the loss of veteran wingers like Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, and Evander Kane. That can’t be easy. They’re also without Zach Hyman until November, and Jake Walman has yet to suit up on the back end, removing some offense from the blue line.

Tomášek has stepped into Hyman’s power-play role, bringing a bigger presence in front of the net and helping the team generate quality chances, even if the puck hasn’t yet found the back of the net. Mangiapane has been a bright spot, scoring in two of his first three games.

Coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized patience as chemistry develops. “There’s been a lot of turnover with the forward group. We’re just trying to find combinations that work,” he said. That means moving pieces around, and the Oilers have only once not adjusted their lineup this season. Every game has been a new combination of centers and wingers, which means finding a rhythm and carrying it over for 60 minutes.

Knoblauch remains confident that scoring will follow as the team continues to gel. “I believe it’s just a matter of time that we can score more than we have,” he said. McDavid isn’t worried, either.

Edmonton’s forward lines will continue to change. When Hyman returns, more shuffling is coming and the Oilers will have to make some tough decisions.

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