Despite a 4-3 shootout loss to New Jersey, Edmonton’s strong start under coach Mike Babcock continued: The Oilers rallied from a 3-1 deficit, earned a point and remain one of the NHL’s top teams. Their structure, goaltending and road results mark a clear change, though a lopsided second period exposed work still to do.

By the Numbers
  • Edmonton is 11-2-3, second in the NHL standings.
  • The Oilers are 7-0-1 on the road, the league’s only team without a regulation road loss.
  • New Jersey outshot Edmonton 15-3 in the second period.
  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played his 1,038th game, a franchise record.
  • Connor McDavid extended his NHL-record season-opening assist streak to 16 games.
Yes, But

Edmonton has points in seven of its last eight games and has looked more consistent overall, but the Devils’ speed overwhelmed the Oilers in the second period. Edmonton has also lost five straight to New Jersey and its fourth line still needs to improve, Babcock said.

State of Play
  • The Oilers head home for a four-game homestand beginning Thursday against Anaheim.
  • Edmonton has scored 14 goals and allowed two in first periods on the road this season.
  • McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard rank first, second and third in NHL scoring.
What's Next

Edmonton gets a chance to build on its strong start during the homestand, beginning with Anaheim on Thursday. Sharper puck decisions and a better response when opponents seize momentum will be key tests.

Bottom Line

The shootout loss is a setback, not a reversal: Edmonton’s structure and results point to real progress, but the second period showed how quickly that progress can be tested.