Curtis Lazar's resilience brings stability to the Oilers bottom 6 | Why his play is working

Curtis Lazar’s resurgence offers the Edmonton Oilers a much-needed boost in the bottom six, but is it enough to fix their depth issues? Nick Zararis spotlights Lazar’s impact, exploring how his work rate, versatility, and unexpected efficiency have made him indispensable amid a season of roster experimentation and shifting line combinations. Despite limited ice time and constant lineup changes, Lazar’s underlying numbers reveal how Edmonton’s fourth line carves out dangerous chances—and why that matters as the Oilers search for answers beyond Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.Key topics include the Oilers’ ongoing struggle to generate even-strength offense from their depth, the challenges of surviving as a rotation player, and the implications for playoff matchups in a wide-open Pacific Division. Can emerging talents like Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard step up, or will Edmonton need to make moves before the trade deadline? Unlock insights on what it will take for the Oilers’ bottom six to support a true Stanley Cup run.05:50 The Value of Depth Players07:35 "Depth Players' Vital NHL Role"12:43 "Player Success Tied to Coaching"16:42 Oilers’ Defensive Strategy Analyzed20:10 Oilers' Depth Key to Contention23:45 Oilers Depth Struggles Persist27:35 Oilers' Path to Playoff Success28:26 "Oilers Free Agency Success"Curtis Lazar's resilience brings stability to the Oilers bottom 6  | Why his play is workingEverydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.