Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

Jake Walman has been a healthy scratch five of the last seven games. Can he win back the coaching staff’s trust, and what does it take? Nick Zararis makes the case for a fix sitting on the top pair, then asks whether the Oilers’ stars can do something no trio of teammates has ever done.
Walman’s chicken-or-egg problem, the Tristan Jarry parallel, and why he needs Evan Bouchard
McDavid’s career-high workload and what he needs to beat 153 points
Draisaitl’s goal race and Bouchard’s pace against Bobby Orr’s 139
Pick your poison: why defenses keep choosing and keep losing
The bottom-six logjam coming with Savoie, Howard and Janmark’s returns
05:40 Jake Walman's time with the Oilers
09:29 Defenseman lineup adjustments
10:51 Ordering meat from ButcherBox
15:54 McDavid's point pace analysis
20:09 Oilers bottom 6 lineup issues
24:13 Evaluating Oilers' third line forwards
26:44 Improving the bottom six lineup
28:22 Wrap up and next steps
Can McDavid, Draisaitl & Bouchard Make NHL History?
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Bauer
Bring your game to life. Shop at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
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The Edmonton Oilers found another way to win on the edge, beating the New York Rangers 3-1 behind a penalty kill that went a perfect 5-for-5. Connor McDavid opened the scoring, Leon Draisaitl added a pair, and Devon Levi stopped 28 of 29 shots in a low-event game where the Rangers controlled long stretches of play. On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down how Edmonton keeps winning hockey games while being outshot, outchanced, and out-possessed, and whether that’s sustainable over 82 games.
We start with the “blackjack problem”: playing every hand with the dealer showing a face card. The Rangers did a good job blocking shots, slowing the Oilers in transition, and hunting cross-crease passes, but they couldn’t finish. Edmonton managed just 18 shots on goal and very few high-danger chances at even strength, yet still walked out with two points thanks to its top-end talent and special teams.
In the middle segment, we dig into the Oilers’ second period numbers for the 2026-27 season and what they show about how this team plays with a lead. Edmonton dominates first periods, outscoring opponents 22-9, but gets badly outshot in the middle frame as it sits back to protect leads. Nick explains why the Oilers are 10-0-2 when scoring first, why hockey is a game of runs that shows up as zone time and penalties rather than goals, and why he’d rather see Edmonton chase a second goal than defend a one-goal cushion.
We close with why “rock fight” wins against teams like the Rangers make a strong case for the Oilers in the long run. With Levi and Tristan Jarry both playing well, Frederik Andersen still to come, and Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard yet to join a healthy lineup, Edmonton sits first in the Pacific Division without its full roster. Add a likely trade-deadline forward and a center group of McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Dickinson, and this team could still be in the training-wheels stage of its season
03:52 Rangers' offensive strategy discussion
07:22 Devon Levi's impressive performance
13:26 Improving offensive strategies in hockey
17:33 Oilers' defensive strategy with a lead
21:21 Analyzing the Oilers' current struggles
24:04 Rangers penalty kill performance
26:21 Oilers' potential with upcoming roster changes
Oilers Beat Rangers 3-1 | Perfect Penalty Kill, McDavid & Draisaitl Win Ugly Again
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Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life. Shop at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
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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The Edmonton Oilers snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over the Vancouver Canucks, but three-point nights and 25-minute workloads from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can’t hide how badly the bottom six is struggling under Mike Babcock. Nick Zararis breaks down why even a win over a lottery team raises real questions about Edmonton’s depth, including the Owen Michaels–Alex Formenton–Mathieu Joseph line. He also asks whether this top-heavy formula can survive the upcoming Florida and Carolina Hurricanes road trip.
Next, Nick rants about NHL officiating in Thursday’s loss to the Anaheim Ducks: the hit that sent McDavid into the net, Vasily Podkolzin’s fight, instigator and game misconduct, and why fighting as a deterrent only works if the refs hold both players accountable. To close, he makes the case that Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi, who is back from injury, can hold the Oilers crease in an alternating rotation until Frederik Andersen returns in December.
06:53 Challenges for the Oilers this season
11:55 Using the GameTime app for tickets
13:45 Discussing NHL player safety issues
17:55 Accountability in hockey fights
23:15 Challenges of Being a Backup Goalie
27:22 Managing goalie rotation strategy
28:35 Managing player rotationsOilers Beat Canucks, But the Red Flags Are Real | Podkolzin Ejection & Jarry vs Levi
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Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
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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On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis celebrates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins becoming the Edmonton Oilers’ all-time leader in regular-season games played, passing Hall of Famer Kevin Lowe’s franchise mark of 1,037. Drafted first overall in 2011, Nuge has outlasted a decade of rebuilds, coaching changes and front office turnover to become one of the most important players in franchise history. Nick breaks down why Nugent-Hopkins has lasted so long: elite hockey sense, a well-rounded game with no glaring weakness, and a willingness to play center, wing, the top line or the third line whenever he’s asked. He also argues the Oilers may one day need to bend their Hall of Fame rule so fans can see No. 93 raised to the rafters.
The milestone hits differently in context. Several first overall picks from Nuge’s era, including Taylor Hall, Steven Stamkos and John Tavares, eventually moved on, while Nugent-Hopkins won just one playoff series in his first 10 seasons and played for a long line of head coaches, from Tom Renney to Mike Babcock. Nick explains how taking less money on a long-term deal and building trust with every coaching staff made Nuge indispensable through the Oilers’ toughest years. He’s off to a strong start this season with 9 points in 7 games while centering his own line, which Nick admits he argued against all summer.
In the middle segment, Nick asks whether Jake Walman is a lost cause. After the Oilers acquired him from the San Jose Sharks at the 2025 trade deadline, Walman posted a 62% goal share on 55% expected goals during the run to the Stanley Cup Final, which earned him a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract. Since then, the offense-first defenseman has struggled badly. Nick argues the biggest problem is deployment: Walman is being used in defensive situations next to partners like Shakir Mukhamadullin and Ty Emberson, and he has spent only 18 minutes and 46 seconds at even strength with Connor McDavid all season

06:26 Nuge's career and jersey retirement
07:18 Nuge's Versatility and Teamwork
11:58 Jake Walman analysis and opportunities
15:44 Analyzing Defenseman Jake Walman
17:42 Jake Walman role analysis
22:19 Oilers schedule and division talk
24:32 Offensive strategies and playoff challenges
27:37 Oilers' playoff prospects and divisions
Nuge Passes Kevin Lowe, Walman’s Struggles & a Wide-Open Pacific
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Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

Odoo
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Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
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Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
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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The Edmonton Oilers went into the fire at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night and came away with a point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils. Nick Zararis watched from behind the Devils’ penalty box and breaks down why one of the most complete teams in the NHL controlled most of the night. He also explains how Edmonton still clawed its way to overtime. It’s a full breakdown through the Locked On Oilers three lenses: the game, the turning point, and the big picture.
Evan Bouchard opened the scoring, but the Devils took over the second period. They scored three goals in roughly eight minutes, two of them on the power play, while Edmonton took a string of penalties. New Jersey dominated the middle frame on chances and possession, and the Oilers had no answer at even strength. Edmonton’s power play got them back in it and forced overtime, but it also showed how much this team relies on special teams to cover for its depth scoring problems.
The story of the night was Tristan Jarry, who stopped 31 of 34 shots against a Devils team that ranks near the top of the league in nearly every underlying metric. Nick has been one of Jarry’s loudest critics since Edmonton acquired him. Here he gives the goalie his flowers and explains why a steadier workload has driven his recent run. At the other end, Connor Hellebuyck made his first home start as a Devil and improved to 3-0 since New Jersey traded for him.
In the final segment, Nick looks at how Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier limited Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at even strength. He also covers why this was the first game all season where the Oilers looked like they had a speed disadvantage. He digs into transition play, the first breakout pass, and how the Connor Murphy–Ryan Shea pairing struggles to move the puck under a heavy forecheck. If you want to know what Edmonton has to fix to beat the NHL’s best teams, start here.
04:34 Hellebuyck's Impact on the Devils
07:21 Oilers struggle against the Devils
10:49 Online psychiatry and quick access
14:22 Devils dominate Oilers in second period
20:36 Analyzing the Oilers' game speed
23:41 Oilers' defensive challenges and puck handling
25:40 Devils' effective forechecking strategy
28:42 Oilers season storylines so far
Oilers show guts, drag Devils to 4-3 Shootout loss
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Talkiatry
Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
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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