The Edmonton Oilers remain favorites to win the 2025 Stanley Cup despite a shaky start to the 2024-25 NHL season. With a 7-7-1 record after 15 games, including a 7-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, the Oilers sit fifth in the Pacific Division, six points behind the lead Los Angeles Kings of the division.
Despite these early season struggles, bettors still consider the Oilers the team to beat. Current betting odds have Edmonton as the favorite to win the 2025 Stanley Cup at +800, slightly ahead of the Dallas Stars (+950) and Carolina Hurricanes (+1000), two teams playing inspired hockey. This speaks to the team’s perceived potential and belief that their current problems are temporary rather than indicative of deeper problems.
First struggles (again)
The Oilers’ struggles this season are somewhat reminiscent of their poor start last year when they started 3-9-1, leading to the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft. However, under new coach Kris Knoblauch, the team rebounded strongly and eventually reached the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Florida Panthers. Ttip who knows how to bet on the NHL I understand a lot can change between now and the playoffs, but the Oilers’ play is concerning, especially at home, where they are 2-5-0.
One of the most concerning aspects of the Oilers’ performance thus far has been the play of their special teams. Traditionally a force, Edmonton currently ranks 25th in the league with a power play percentage of just 15.8%. This is a significant drop from last season, when they had the fourth-best power play in the NHL. What is even more disturbing is their worst penalty in the leagueoperating with a success rate of only 59%.
The Oilers’ offensive production has also been unusually low, with the team scoring just 40 goals in its first 15 games (while allowing 48). This is especially surprising given the presence of offensive superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for over 200 points last season.
Fear of injury
Speaking of McDavid, the Oilers were scared when their captain injured his ankle against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. Originally expected to last two to three weeks, McDavid’s recovery progressed faster than expected. He ultimately missed only three games before returning to the lineup on November 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Oilers management made a significant commitment to their core this offseason, signing Leon Draisaitl to a record eight-year contract extension worth $112 million. The move, along with McDavid’s continued presence, underscores the team’s confidence in its ability to contend for championships in the years to come.
Long season
It should be noted that the NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. With 67 games on their regular season schedule, the Oilers have plenty of time to right the ship and climb the standings. The team’s recent history suggests they are capable of long stretches of dominant play, as evidenced by their turnaround last season.
The Oilers’ defensive performance was relatively solid, allowing 45 goals in 15 games. This is similar to top teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings. If Edmonton manages to maintain this defensive stability while rediscovering their offensive side, they could quickly move up the standings.
One factor that could contribute to the Oilers’ resurgence is the inevitable return to form of their star players. Despite an absence due to injury, Connor McDavid still managed to score 13 points in 11 games. Leon Draisaitl leads the team with 18 points in 15 games. The Oilers’ fortunes will likely improve as these players continue to produce and potentially increase their production to match previous seasons.
The Oilers coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on improving their special teams play over the coming weeks. A return to form on the power play and penalty kill could provide the spark needed to ignite a winning streak and propel the team up the standings.
While it’s too early to draw any definitive conclusions about the Oilers’ chances at winning the Stanley Cup, their current struggles provide an exciting narrative to follow as the season progresses. Will they overcome their early challenges and live up to their pre-season as favorites? Or will their slow start prove too much to overcome in a highly competitive Western Conference? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with the talent on their roster, the Edmonton Oilers remain a team to watch in the 2024-2025 NHL season.
