Let's do this! The Cult of Hockey podcast. By the Faithful and for the Faithful. Today Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal digs into the Edmonton Oilers 8-3 loss to the Stars of Dallas.

The Edmonton Oilers faced another challenging night on the ice, suffering a disheartening 8-3 defeat against the Dallas Stars. In this episode of the Cult of Hockey podcast, hosts David Staples and Kurt Levin dissect the game, highlighting both the bright spots and the glaring issues that continue to plague the team.

The podcast opens with David sharing his recent skiing experience at Sunshine, drawing a parallel to the Oilers’ performance. Just as skiing in poor visibility can be a nightmare, the Oilers struggled to find their footing against the Stars. Kurt agrees, noting the team’s inconsistency, especially after a grueling road trip where they managed to claw through tough games.

Kurt highlights Connor Clattenburg as a standout player despite the loss. Clattenburg, who was called up from the minors, made an immediate impact with a heavy hit and later scored his first NHL goal. His celebration was infectious, bringing some much-needed excitement to a lackluster game. David echoes this sentiment, noting how Clattenburg’s raw joy in scoring exemplifies why fans love the sport. The hosts emphasize that Clattenburg’s performance raises questions about roster decisions moving forward.

Jack Roslovic also received recognition for his skillful goal, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. His offensive instincts have made him a valuable asset, and his desire to shoot at the net is something the Oilers need more of from all players, especially their stars.

Despite some bright spots, the conversation quickly shifts to the defensive struggles of the Oilers. Kurt expresses disappointment in the top defensive pairing of Bouchard and Ekholm, who faltered significantly compared to their previous game against Florida. Both players had crucial lapses that led to goals against, raising concerns about their consistency. David adds that these defensive issues reflect a larger problem within the team, where even the best players are not performing up to par defensively.

The hosts delve into the need for players to take accountability for their defensive responsibilities. They discuss how star players like McDavid and Draisaitl often get caught in the wrong positions, either over-pursuing the puck or failing to engage defensively. This lack of awareness creates vulnerabilities that opposing teams exploit. David emphasizes the importance of a defensive mindset, especially in a league as competitive as the NHL.

Conclusion: The Oilers are at a crossroads. With moments of brilliance from players like Clattenburg and Roslovic, there is hope for the season. However, the persistent defensive lapses must be addressed if the team hopes to contend for the playoffs. As Kurt aptly puts it, the Oilers need to rediscover their defensive identity to match their offensive talent. Key takeaways include the importance of player accountability, the need for a strong defensive foundation, and the bright future of promising young players.