Why the Edmonton Oilers Keep Starting Slow - Will 2024-25 Be Different?

The Edmonton Oilers have gotten off to disappointing starts in each of the last two seasons but can they break the cycle this year? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, we dive deep into the historical context behind Edmonton's slow starts and what needs to change. With The Athletic ranking the Oilers as the #2 "win-now" team in the NHL behind only Dallas, the pressure is mounting for immediate results. Host Nick Zararis explains why this upcoming season feels like do-or-die time, especially with Connor McDavid's contract situation looming and key veterans aging out of their primes. We also explore how other championship teams like Tampa Bay, Colorado, and Vegas took years to build their winning culture - and whether Edmonton has learned enough from their two Stanley Cup Final appearances to finally break through1:32 - Why Historical Context Matters in Hockey 3:14 - Breaking Down Last Season's Problems 3:57 - 2024-25 Season Stats: 7-7-1 Start Analysis 4:41 - Roster Turnover and Chemistry Issues 6:06 - Darnell Nurse's Limited Preseason Impact 6:46 - Connor McDavid's 2023 Overtraining Admission 7:07 - 2023-24 Disaster: The Jay Woodcroft Era 8:35 - First Break 10:32 - Why Getting Off to Good Starts Matters 13:04 - The Mental Grind of an 82-Game Season 14:29 - How Bad Starts Led to Great Runs 18:26 - Second Break 19:25 - Do or Die: Championship Window Analysis 20:52 - Building for the Future vs. Win-Now Mode 24:55 - Preseason's Role in Success 25:38 - Chris Knoblauch's Growth as Coach 27:46 - Wrap-Up Why the Edmonton Oilers Keep Starting Slow - Will 2024-25 Be Different? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. 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) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.