Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers surge past Anaheim Ducks in a four-point division clash, powered by Mattias Ekholm’s surprise hat trick and Zach Hyman’s relentless net-front presence. Can their bend-but-don’t-break style and opportunistic scoring carry them into the postseason spotlight?
Nick Zararis dissects the Oilers' evolving identity, from absorbing pressure to unleashing explosive counterattacks. Key insights include Zach Hyman’s career-best ice time and scoring efficiency, the latest on organizational depth showcased by Josh Samanski's NHL debut, and the impact of AHL call-ups on Edmonton’s playoff ambitions. The episode unpacks defensive performances, special teams contributions, roster auditions ahead of the trade deadline, and why depth players might shape the Oilers’ lineup for the stretch run. Is Edmonton finally building the foundation for sustained success?
 
 
 
00:00 Oilers' Victory & Season Highlights
04:56 Hyman's Impactful Net-Front Play
06:52 Oilers Secure Crucial Four-Point Win
12:07 Hockey Obsession and Player Insights
15:43 McDavid's Impact: Stats Breakdown
17:53 Heart Over Size: Zach Hyman
20:46 "Quo: Smarter Business Communication"
24:22 "Assessing Howard's Role Evolution"
27:48 "Opportunities and Trade Challenges"
HISTORY: Mattias Ekholm records first career hat trick | Oilers roll 7-4 over Ducks
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Are the Edmonton Oilers’ struggles truly a reflection of Matthias Ekholm’s game, or is a deeper team issue brewing? Nick Zararis breaks down why the perception of Ekholm’s decline after his knee injury doesn't match the underlying data—and why the Oilers' current woes point to systemic problems rather than individual underperformance.
Key discussion points include the real impact of Ekholm’s skating metrics, Evan Bouchard’s partnership, and the Oilers’ shifting offensive and defensive effectiveness at even strength. Nick Zararis analyzes lagging goal shares, dominant power play contributions, Chris Knobloch’s lineup decisions, and growing concerns about the bottom six forwards. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman carrying heavy burdens, can Edmonton find the right balance to fuel a deep run, or will structural issues derail their championship aspirations?
04:53 "Ekholm's Skating Speed Analysis"
09:09 "Team Challenges and Finances"
11:20 Oilers: Transition Play Evaluation
16:21 Oilers' Offense-First Strategy Analysis
18:35 Oilers’ Offensive and Defensive Struggles
20:20 "Boost Hiring with Sponsored Jobs"
26:09 Oilers' Playoff Struggles Analyzed
27:56 Oilers' Struggles and Future Moves
 
EVALUATION: Are the Oilers facing a Mattias Ekholm problem? | What the numbers say
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

 
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Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 
Rocket Money
Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money.
Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONtoday.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
 
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Edmonton Oilers crumble against Pittsburgh Penguins in a shocking six-goal defeat. Can the Oilers recover from their defensive breakdown, or is their playoff hope slipping away?
Nick Zararis breaks down the disastrous 6-2 loss, spotlighting the fatal 37-second stretch that doomed the Oilers and exposing key flaws in the Ekholm-Bouchard pairing. Key topics include Edmonton’s overreliance on its league-best power play, concerning lack of five-on-five scoring, and heavy ice time for stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The episode questions whether the Oilers can address critical transition and roster issues before facing the Washington Capitals, and assesses recent lineup changes, including the Stuart Skinner-Tristan Jarry swap. Brett Kulak’s return also gets a special nod, framing what it truly means for player legacy in Edmonton.
Will a renewed strategy and emotional reset reignite the Oilers, or is their window for success closing fast?
00:00 "Transition Play in Modern Hockey"
05:16 Offensive Zone Risks and Turnovers
09:15 Oilers' Struggles and Profit Boosts
11:24 "Join the Everyday Club Community"
14:45 "Postseason Power Play Impact"
18:27 Hockey Team's Core Issues Analyzed
20:43 Oilers, Penguins, and Player Highlights
25:58 Skinner's Solid but Not Spectacular
27:55 Oilers' Struggles: Goaltending & Depth
30:38 "Monday Update & Snow Prep"
BURN THE TAPE: Penguins thump Oilers 6-2 in Draisaitl's return to the lineup | Even strength woes
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

 
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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
 

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Curtis Lazar’s resurgence offers the Edmonton Oilers a much-needed boost in the bottom six, but is it enough to fix their depth issues? Nick Zararis spotlights Lazar’s impact, exploring how his work rate, versatility, and unexpected efficiency have made him indispensable amid a season of roster experimentation and shifting line combinations. Despite limited ice time and constant lineup changes, Lazar’s underlying numbers reveal how Edmonton’s fourth line carves out dangerous chances—and why that matters as the Oilers search for answers beyond Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.
Key topics include the Oilers’ ongoing struggle to generate even-strength offense from their depth, the challenges of surviving as a rotation player, and the implications for playoff matchups in a wide-open Pacific Division. Can emerging talents like Matthew Savoie and Ike Howard step up, or will Edmonton need to make moves before the trade deadline? Unlock insights on what it will take for the Oilers’ bottom six to support a true Stanley Cup run.
05:50 The Value of Depth Players
07:35 "Depth Players' Vital NHL Role"
12:43 "Player Success Tied to Coaching"
16:42 Oilers’ Defensive Strategy Analyzed
20:10 Oilers' Depth Key to Contention
23:45 Oilers Depth Struggles Persist
27:35 Oilers' Path to Playoff Success
28:26 "Oilers Free Agency Success"
Curtis Lazar's resilience brings stability to the Oilers bottom 6  | Why his play is working
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com
 
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Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Edmonton Oilers stumble in a tight 2-1 loss to the injury-riddled New Jersey Devils—did missing Leon Draisaitl finally catch up to them? Nick Zararis unpacks how the Oilers generated high-danger chances and dominated late but were outmaneuvered by the Devils' disciplined transition play and defensive structure, with Timo Meier and Cody Glass stepping up for New Jersey.
Key analysis spotlights the Oilers’ struggles with breakout speed, Darnell Nurse’s costly mistake, and why six-on-five setups have lost their punch. The conversation sharpens around the irreplaceable impact of Draisaitl on both the power play and even strength, plus what Edmonton must tweak to regain their offensive edge. Don’t miss insights on potential lineup fixes, roster depth issues, and how the Oilers can recover before their next matchup.
03:51 "Timo Meier's Performance Critique"
10:01 "Streamline Hiring with Indeed"
12:16 Hockey's Underrated Transition Play
14:34 Evolution of Modern Forechecking
20:12 "FanDuel Playoff Profit Boosts"
23:57 "Oilers' Lineup Adjustments Discussed"
25:00 Oilers' Transition and Power Play Struggles
28:41 "Hockey's Unfair Nature Explained"
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com

 
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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