Oilers’ 3-0-1 Record Is Their Best Start in Years

In one of his first interviews before the season started, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid emphasized the need to get off to a good start. True to his word, the Oilers are off to their best start in three years, with a 3-0-1 record. Last season the team was 2-3-1 after six games; in 2024-25, they were also 2-4; and who can forget the 1-6 start to the 2023-24 campaign, which resulted in head coach Jay Woodcroft losing his job on Nov. 12, 2023.

A lot of credit for the Oilers’ early success should go to new head coach Mike Babcock and assistant coach D.J. Smith. They have taken a team dealing with injuries and implemented a 200-foot system that is working no matter who is in the lineup.

It is too early to tell, but it could be a blessing in disguise that the Oilers lost out on signing former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. Babcock has a swagger the Oilers haven’t had behind the bench in decades, and he is proving his doubters, including me, that he was the right man for the job.

Evan Bouchard has been playing unbelievable hockey to start the season. After four games, he leads the league with six goals and ranks third with 11 points. He’s showing he belongs in the conversation for the Norris Trophy.

Devon Levi has been another pleasant surprise. After a rough first start, a 9-7 win against the Vancouver Canucks, Levi has improved, making key saves at the right time for a team desperate for big-time goaltending. His recent performance in a 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday showed that his confidence is growing, and he was worth taking a chance on.

Owen Michaels is also making a name for himself early on. The former captain of the Western Michigan University Broncos has two goals, is taking key faceoffs and has earned time on the penalty kill. He’s earning the trust of his coaching staff and could become a key signing by Oilers general manager Stan Bowman last summer.

Vasily Podkolzin has been Bowman best acquisition during his time in Edmonton. Podkolzin’s four goals and six points have him among the league leaders, and he seems to be gaining momentum. If he keeps up his current pace, he could score 30 goals this season.

McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already look in midseason form, with McDavid tied for the NHL lead in points and Draisaitl sitting in the top five in scoring. Babcock seems to be letting his two lead horses run, but they also finally look rested. That’s a key factor for two players who have played more hockey than anyone over the past three seasons. There’s a long season ahead, but McDavid and Draisaitl already look like they’re on a mission to return to the Stanley Cup Final. Anything less will be disappointing.

We don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but something seems different about the Oilers this season. Babcock might have been the missing ingredient that could push the team over the top, and there seems to be a sense of belief in the team.

Even if they have a bad game or bad period, never count them out. The Oilers have started the season like they want a legitimate shot at winning the Pacific Division. If they do, it’ll be their first division crown in 40 years. There’s a lot of hockey left to play, but this fast start should give everyone a new sense of optimism. It’s what fans were hoping for heading into this season.