Why Losing Its 2nd Best Player Didn’t Break the Oilers

If you’ve been watching the Edmonton Oilers this season, you know the story. The team has been carried by two absolute superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But the goaltending has been a bit sketchy, and the attempts to replace Stuart Skinner didn’t always go smoothly.

Then, as if the hockey gods wanted to keep things interesting, the Oilers’ Draisaitl goes down with a lower-body injury. And suddenly, Connor Ingram is the starting goalie. On paper, it doesn’t look promising. And yet… the Oilers have started to click. They’re scoring, defending, and somehow finding ways to win without their star center.

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So, Why Are They Winning with No Draisaitl?

So what’s happening with this Oilers team? How is this team suddenly figuring things out, even without Draisaitl? Well, let’s break it down.

Reason One: With No Draisaitl, the Oilers’ Collective Offence Has Come Alive

Adam Henrique, Max Jones, Vasily Podkolzin, and Zach Hyman all came through in key moments. No one’s out there playing hero ball to replace Draisaitl. They’re spreading the scoring around, and it’s actually working pretty well. The offence looks simpler, more straightforward, and much harder to defend than it has been in recent games.

The big message right now is that the Oilers are proving it’s all about team effort. In last night’s 5-3 win over the San Jose Sharks, 13 different Oilers picked up points. That’s more than just one guy carrying the load.

Reason Two: The Oilers’ Goaltending Is Finding Its Groove

Also, Connor Ingram in goal has finally brought the kind of confidence the Oilers haven’t had consistently. He stood tall with 27 saves versus the Sharks and has been solid enough to let the forwards and D do their jobs without panic.

When your goalie stays cool and dependable, it frees everyone up. The forwards start making smarter plays and taking chances, the blueliners loosen up without losing focus, and the team plays like they’ve got permission to actually go for it. Low-key, but it’s hitting the exact spot Edmonton was hurting.

Reason Three: The Oilers’ Teamwork and Timing Have Been Great

The contributions have come at exactly the right times. Lose a star and some teams fall apart or start gripping their sticks too tight—but not these Oilers. They’ve had young players rise up, vets show the way, and the whole team buy into the structure.

The special teams are doing their part, too. The power play is sitting at 25 percent, and the PK is looking solid. Put it all together with good prep, smart opportunities, and guys executing, and suddenly you’re moving up the table and looking like a lock for the playoffs.

The Oilers’ Bottom Line Without Draisaitl Is Simple

The lesson for the Oilers is simple. The team isn’t just doing okay without Draisaitl; they’re thriving. They are relying on teamwork, timing, and a big batch of hanging in there. And if you’re an Oiler fan who’s watching, you’ve probably learned a thing or two about how a team can show up when the chips are down.

Now all they have to do is keep doing it. When Draisaitl returns, they can use his skills to push into another level.

Related: Kris Knoblauch Lands on Insider’s Short List of Coaches on the Hot Seat