Can the surging Red Wings silence McDavid and extend their hot streak? A tough back-to-back battle awaits against the potent Oilers offense.

It was the middle of November 2023. The Edmonton Oilers, one of the preseason favourites to win the Stanley Cup, had won just three of their first 13 games. So, a new coach was hired, and it didn’t take Kris Knoblauch long to see what the first thing that needed to change in the dressing room was. The team’s confidence was shot.

The NHL Hot Seat Radar series highlights which NHL figures are under serious pressure to improve. The Edmonton Oilers had much better goaltending this past week, while the Flames and Kings still have scoring issues.

The Edmonton Oilers reportedly received limited updates on the injuries to Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jake Walman as the team approaches a crucial Christmas stretch.

The Edmonton Oilers might want to consider altering their third jersey schedule, as they've had a ton of good results wearing them.

The Oilers scored a combined 15 goals in wins over the Kraken and Jets, five of which came from their NHL-best power play. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were their usual selves with a combined five goals in those wins – but they received depth support, too. Ten different players found the back of the net in the two games.

Turning to Draisaitl, he’s recorded three or more shots in eight of his past 11 games. As noted, Buffalo is reeling defensively, and the Sabres have surrendered a healthy 28.7 shots per game during the highlighted three-game losing streak on the highway.

The Edmonton Oilers (13-11-5, 31 points) look to continue their torrid scoring as they host the sliding Buffalo Sabres (11-14-4, 26 points) at Rogers Place on Tuesday night.

Alex DeBrincat scored twice in a three-point game as the visiting Detroit Red Wings staked a four-goal lead and held on for a 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.