Before the last part of the season, the Oilers have an average record of 28 wins, 22 losses, and 8 overtime losses. Mattias Ekholm says that they haven’t been able to ‘get excited’ for their games.
Over the past two seasons, the Oilers have had a tough schedule, rivaled only by the Florida Panthers, who are currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
This season, the players haven’t been performing up to their usual level. Mattias Ekholm mentioned that it’s tough for the Oilers to be motivated for every single game. While talking to the media as practices resumed, he honestly said that the Oilers have struggled to be on top of their game this season, and he pointed to their busy schedule as a big reason for it.
It has been challenging to bring energy to every game. I’m not trying to make excuses because everyone has to deal with the same schedule, so it is what it is.
Getting [Coffey] back is what we hope for. I don’t expect him to perform miracles, but I believe his attitude and presence can really help us.
– Mattias Ekholm
Oilers Mattias Ekholm was honest says his team has played alot of hockey and some nights they didn’t have it.#Oilers #LetsGoOilers #NHL #Yeg #Hockey
📹 @EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/4qN5ltHxkq
— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) February 19, 2026
One of Coach Knoblauch’s weaknesses might be that he tends to stay calm even when things get tough.
This can be good at times, but it’s also important for the team’s leader to show some urgency and energy. Paul Coffey has a much more passionate personality that connects with players, which could motivate them for those games that might not feel as important.
However, it makes sense that the Oilers might find this regular season challenging. After losing in the last two Stanley Cup Finals, it’s tough to give full effort in a November game against the Seattle Kraken because it doesn’t feel as critical.
In any case, this is where Coffey’s enthusiasm can really help. If he can motivate the players in a way that Knoblauch can’t, the Oilers’ performance should get better from this point on.
Now, with only 24 games left in the season, the Oilers need to step up their game. It’s time for them to improve and get ready for the playoffs. The Olympic break should help them recover from any tiredness and prepare them perfectly for this final stretch of the season.
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