NHL legend Chris Pronger exposes biggest flaw holding the Edmonton Oilers back from Stanley Cup success
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Tyler Ball
Apr 24, 2026 (11:16 PM)
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Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
In a new interview, former Oiler and NHL legend Chris Pronger discussed the fatal flaw holding the Oilers back from winning a Stanley Cup.
The Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle finding their way in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they currently trail the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 after goals from Mikael Granlund and Mason McTavish.
If the Oilers go on to lose this game they could be in major danger of a first round exit for the first time in several years and another wasted year of Connor McDavid’s career.
With the Oilers falling short in each of the last 2 years in the Stanley Cup Finals, discussion has continued to spark on what the team’s biggest issue is.
Tonight, NHL legend and former Oiler Chris Pronger placed the blame on the Oilers’ biggest stars and their style of play.
Chris Pronger urges Oilers to change style of play amidst playoff struggles
During a recent segment, Pronger was asked for his opinion on the Oilers and pointed to the team’s lack of ability to win close games.
Pronger points out that the Oilers tend to only win games when their offense is clicking and are unable to win games where they have to grind out a low scoring win.
If Edmonton can tighten things up and not force things. I think at times when they don’t get a lot of looks, they get frustrated because they want to be an offensive juggernaut. They want to score goals. It’s just sometimes it’s about being patient, winning a 2-1 game. - Chris Pronger
In the past, the blame for these types of results have always been placed on goaltending and defensive talent but it seems Pronger believes it is more of a philosophical issue.
If the Oilers do have a stylistic issue over a talent issue then potentially a new voice leading the organization is needed to break the Stanley Cup playoff slump.
If the Oilers do go out early in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, look for Edmonton to potentially make bigger changes which include a major shift in style of play.
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