How many times in recent history have the Edmonton Oilers dug themselves an early hole only to surge back toward the top of the Pacific Division standings? It doesn't look like that surge will be necessary in 2026-27. I had serious reservations about the Mike Babcock hire -- and I still do -- but Edmonton has been mauling opponents early.
The Oilers are off to a 5-0-1 start while posting a plus-11 goal differential. Each of the team's wins has come by at least two goals. As you might expect, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard are driving the bus in oil country.
McDavid leads the NHL with 17 points, and Draisaitl is in double-digits with 11 points of his own, but Bouchard has been the star of the show early. Bouchard has always been an offensive machine, but he's hit another level. He's tallied six goals and eight assists, and his 14 points leads all defensemen by a comfortable margin.
The most impressive part of Bouchard's game to this point has been his five-on-five impacts. With Bouchard on the ice, the Oilers have outscored opponents 15-2, per Natural Stat Trick. With Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out of the lineup, the Oilers haven't missed a beat thanks to its trio of superstars.
As the Oilers challenge the defending champs for the No. 1 spot, here are the updated NHL Power Rankings.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
