Need to talk: Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are worried about their Oilers. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / STEPH CHAMBERS

Things are getting heated in Edmonton

Last night (CET) there was only one game scheduled in the NHL – and it ended with another embarrassing defeat for the Edmonton Oilers.

26 November 2025

From: fop

The traditional club and Stanley Cup finalist of the past two years was thrashed 3-8 by the Dallas Stars on home ice.

Just four minutes in, the Oilers conceded their first goal when Stars forward Jamie Benn scored his 400th NHL goal on a rebound. By the end of the first period, Dallas had extended their lead to 4-0. Edmonton's Stuart Skinner (four saves, 50% save percentage) was then replaced in goal by Calvin Pickard (81,8%), but Pickard himself was beaten four more times.

The Oilers are particularly concerned about their defense: Edmonton has conceded 93 goals this season, more than any other team in the NHL. "The way we're playing right now, it's not down to bad luck. We're simply not a good team," fumed coach Kris Knoblauch. "We have a lot of frustrated players." Edmonton's star forward Leon Draisaitl added, "We're not in sync as a team, not in rhythm, and we have to fix that."

Coaches and stars rant

Captain and star player Connor McDavid was also dejected after the latest defeat. "My job is to take control of the game—and I didn't do that," said the superstar. The Oilers have their first chance to redeem themselves on Saturday away against the Seattle Kraken. After 25 games, they are sixth in the Pacific Division, but only two points behind a wild card spot in the Western Conference.