PITTSBURGH — The Edmonton Oilers have spent the first two months of this season frustrating, confusing and occasionally daring people to doubt them.
On Tuesday night in Pittsburgh, they reminded everyone why that’s a bad idea.
Edmonton’s 6-4 win over the Penguins on Dec. 16 didn’t suddenly fix the standings or erase an uneven start. The Oilers still sit at 16-12-6, with 38 points, chasing the Ducks (42) and Golden Knights (41) in a Pacific Division that has turned unexpectedly crowded. But for one night, the Oilers looked exactly like the team nobody wants to see once spring arrives.
Fast. Dangerous. Relentless.
And very much alive.
The Stars Still Run the Show
Let’s not overthink this. As long as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl wear Oilers sweaters, Edmonton has a puncher’s chance against anyone in the West. Think Josh Allen carrying a mediocre Bills roster back to the AFC Championship game, but even more impressive.
Tuesday’s win was another reminder that when those two tilt the ice, systems start to crumble.
The Oilers attacked early, responded when Pittsburgh pushed back and never let the game drift. Edmonton generated offense in waves, forcing the Penguins to defend at speed — a problem for most teams, anywhere, anytime.
ESPN’s shot and scoring-chance data continues to paint the same picture: Edmonton remains among the league’s better teams at creating high-danger opportunities at five-on-five. The issue early this season wasn’t talent. It was stability.
Which brings us to the crease.
A Necessary Reset in Net
Moving on from Stuart Skinner was not dramatic — it was practical. Edmonton needed predictability in goal, not nightly roulette. Too often, strong performances up front were undone by soft goals or momentum swings that never should have happened.
Tuesday night didn’t require heroics. It required competence. Edmonton got it, and the rest of the roster responded accordingly.
Championship teams don’t need miracles in December. They need trust.
The West Is Still Wide Open
Colorado and Dallas remain excellent. Nobody’s arguing that. But the idea that the Western Conference is chalk ignores reality — and ignores Edmonton.
The Pacific Division, in particular, is there for the taking. Anaheim and Vegas have banked points, but neither has separated. Edmonton sits within striking distance, and the math matters: control the Pacific, avoid the early buzzsaw, and suddenly the bracket opens.
That’s where Edmonton thrives.
They’ve been to two Cup finals in the last three seasons for a reason. When healthy, when structured, when the game tightens, the Oilers know how to flip the switch. Tuesday night looked like a switch flip.
And while we’re here — don’t sleep on Minnesota, either. The West rarely plays out cleanly, and this one won’t be different.
A Reminder, Not a Revelation
This wasn’t a season-saving win. It was something more valuable.
It was a reminder.
Edmonton is flawed, yes. Inconsistent, at times. But irrelevant? Not even close. The Oilers still skate with elite speed, still score in bunches and still carry the kind of top-end talent that changes playoff series.
The standings may not reflect it yet. The points will come if the health holds.
Tuesday night in Pittsburgh wasn’t about climbing the table.
It was about sending a message.
The Oilers aren’t done.
They’re just getting comfortable again.
Check out all EasySportz NHL Content Here
College Football Viewing Guide
