It has only been just over a month into the regular season for the Oilers and things are starting to move in the right direction after a shaky start. The Oilers started the season off with two losses against New Jersey and Boston but now have a record of 8 wins, 4 losses, and one overtime loss. The fourth line of Zack Kassian, JujharKhaira, and Kyle Brodziak have developed some chemistry and have been a huge part of the team’s success. Moreover, Connor McDavid has also gotten himself off to a good start to the season sitting with 21 points through the first 13 games. It is interesting to note that the Oilers have yet to play a team in the Pacific division as they have been going head to head with the Eastern Conference’s top teams including Washington, Pittsburgh, and Winnipeg, as well as the Western Conference’s top teams including Nashville, Minnesota, and Chicago.

Someone who has played exceptionally well through just over the first eighth of the season is back-up goaltender Mikko Koskinen who has 3 wins in his first three starts as an Oiler, including his impressive 40 save performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 1st earlier this month. He looks extremely poised on the ice and is starting to create an environment of competition between him and Cam Talbot. Moreover, this form of competitiveness between the two goaltenders is exactly what the Oilers need as fans will expect to see the goalie between the pipes being the one racking up points for the Orange and Blue.

Just as notable, 19-year-old defenceman Evan Bouchard has been sent back down to his junior team the ‘London Knights’. The future is bright for this young budding defenceman in the NHL and I will not be surprised if he makes the Oilers’ 82 game roster next season.