The Oilers keep doing the same thing, and this season it could cost them everything

Jan 24, 2026 (10:02)

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Connor McDavid has 85 points, yet the Edmonton Oilers still look bored by the regular season, and the standings are tightening fast.

Every year it's the same vibe, like the games from October to March are just background noise.

That X clip nailed it, "The Oilers are playing like they hate the regular season," and honestly, it's hard to argue with the eye test.

Edmonton sits 25-19-8, and that is not the cushion a contender should want in late January.

Vegas is ahead in the Pacific, and teams behind Edmonton are right there, too.

Yes, the man advantage is still terrifying at 32.2%, and that's a real weapon.

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But a monster power play can't cover for nights where the feet stop moving at five-on-five.

When the Oilers play with purpose, it's loud, like that 6-0 wipeout of Vancouver and the 5-0 shutout over St. Louis.

Then they follow it with flat stretches that scream "wake us up in April."

Oilers fans feel it, too, that mix of confidence and dread, because we've seen "flip the switch" turn into "why are we in a wild-card dogfight?"

McDavid is carrying games anyway, sitting at 30-55-85, but you can't ask one line to drag urgency into the room every night.

Leon Draisaitl is right behind at 25-42-67, which should be more than enough support for a top-six that wants home ice.

This is where the regular season bites, bad habits become defaults, and you don't get the matchup you want.

Saturday against Washington is a perfect "prove it" game, because good teams stack points when they're not feeling their best.

If Edmonton treats January like preseason, April won't care.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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JANVIER 24\|117 ANSWERS The Oilers keep doing the same thing, and this season it could cost them everything Should the Edmonton Oilers change their regular season approach and play harder?
Yes	99	84.6 %
No	18	15.4 %
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