No hit, and no grit. The Edmonton Oilers’ powerplay is, well, dismal.
Currently, running at a 12.7% clip, the Oilers continue to struggle with the extra man, or two – and their opponents are savvy to that fact.
Edmonton has failed to convert on 38 consecutive power-play chances, the most recent during their 3-2 road loss to the Anaheim Ducks. In that game, head coach Tom Renney’s PP units were unable to find the back of the Ducks’ net on five extra-man opportunities.
In a word…putrid!
Edmonton (14-23-7) will play host to their divisional rivals from Minnesota tonight at Rexall, as they kick off a three-game homestand that will also see the copper and blue welcome Dallas on Thursday and Nashville on Sunday.
Playing the role of centre, rookie Taylor Hall continues to impress, both on the score sheet (2-3 in five games) and in the face-off dot. Hall is only 40% to 50% in the dot during his recent reassignment to the centre position, but he appears to be more consistent than the likes of Andrew Cogliano, Sam Gagner and Colin Fraser.
In the meantime Oiler fans, keep your chins up…and sticks down.