Locked On Oilers - Daily Podcast On The Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers' defense was exposed in the playoffs, and the massive contracts of Darnell Nurse and Jake Walman are creating a salary cap nightmare

 

On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis evaluates the state of the Edmonton Oilers' blue line following their first-round exit against the Ducks. From the evolving speed of the NHL to the severe limitations of the current defensive core, this offseason evaluation leaves no stone unturned. We break down the struggles of the Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm pairing while dealing with Connor McDavid's foot injury. Finally, we dive into the Darnell Nurse conundrum and why his $9.25M cap hit is an anchor, plus the alarming underlying numbers behind Jake Walman's seven-year deal.

05:45 Discussing Ekholm-Bouchard defensive pairing

06:59 Oilers defensive struggles in playoffs

13:09 Highest paid NHL defensemen

14:45 Darnell Nurse's career year factors

19:56 Promoting Indeed Sponsored Jobs

22:19 Evaluating Jake Walman's role

24:20 Evaluating Jake Wallman's performance

28:17 Concerns about team's defense

The Darnell Nurse Conundrum: Can The Oilers Fix Their Defense?

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The Edmonton Oilers failed to live up to expectations in 2026. Chief amongst their problems in a first round exit was a top heavy forward group. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were their usual sublime selves, cracks are beginning to show on the edges. 

Topics covered include: 

•Diversity in skillsets: Did the Oilers have too much of the same thing up front?

 •The waning depth: For three straight years, the split between the top six and bottom six goal share has declined 

•Gambles that don't pay off: The Oilers came into the year with more uncertainty than years past and got burned

 05:13 Oilers' challenges in tight games 

08:50 Impact players in the NHL 

11:32 Discussing Oilers' 5 on 5 play

 17:14 Offense strategies and styles 

27:34 Analyzing Oilers' scoring stats 

29:58 Intro and podcast recommendations

Why the Edmonton Oilers Forward Group Failed in 2026 — And What Needs to Change

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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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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FanDuel

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

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 Season is Over. The Edmonton Oilers have been eliminated from the NHL Playoffs in Game 6 by the Anaheim Ducks. In this "morbid elimination Friday" edition of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis sifts through the debris of a series where the Oilers simply "didn't have it"

In Today's Episode:

The Fatal Flaw: Why a lack of foot speed and mobility throughout the lineup became the Oilers' undoing against a fast Ducks team

Star Performance: We look at why Connor McDavid was outscored 7-3 in the series and the impact of his ankle injury

Defensive Struggles: Analysis of why Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm couldn't meet the transition standards required to win

The Big Picture: Is this version of the Oilers still a contender, or are they now a "fringe team" facing an offseason of "awkward conversations"?

05:14 Panthers' aggressive forecheck strategy

08:25 Disappointing end to the series

10:20 FanDuel betting promotion

15:17 Analyzing left-handed play strategies

17:44 Oilers struggle with defensive issues

22:09 Reflecting on lost talent

26:05 Expectations for Oilers' playoff performance

26:53 Analyzing the team's goalie situation

30:02 Wrapping up the playoff run

IT’S OVER. The Edmonton Oilers' Season Ends in Disaster

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://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON 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. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

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Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

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 season is on the line. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down why Game 6 against the Anaheim Ducks is the ultimate "message" game. Can the Oilers stave off elimination and force a Game 7?

We dive deep into the numbers, looking at the Edmonton Oilers' struggles in the second and third periods despite scoring first in every game of this series. We also highlight the incredible performance of Leon Draisaitl, who has 9 points in 5 games after a six-week layoff, and how his linemates Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen have become an indispensable top-six unit.

Finally, we discuss the immense pressure on Connor McDavid and the narrative surrounding his future in Edmonton as the Oilers look to pull the Ducks into the "deep end" of the pool in Anaheim

06:36 Ducks controlling game tempo

10:22 Discussing betting odds and app promotion

12:15 Watching hockey and standout players

15:16 Player development and team dynamics

18:25 Leon Draisaitl's playoff performance

22:43 Oilers' playoff performance discussion

24:35 Concerns for Oilers against Ducks

29:04 Closing thoughts on Oilers' performance

Leon Draisaitl is CARRYING the Edmonton Oilers | Game 6 Preview & Line Analysis

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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KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

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5-Hour ENERGY

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Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

 

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 refuse to go home! In a "Stayin' Alive Wednesday" edition of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down a gutsy 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks to force Game 6. 

The day started with a massive scare as Connor McDavid was a game-time decision after missing morning skate. Despite the injury concerns, the captain suited up, and the Oilers responded with a clinical first period that saw three goals in under 12 minutes.

Nick dives into the mechanics of the early onslaught, featuring goals from Vasily Podkolzin, Zach Hyman, and Leon Draisaitl. We also discuss Evan Bouchard's defensive activism, Connor Ingram's steady presence in net, and why the "hungry dog" mentality is the only way Edmonton survives Game 6 on the road.

03:37 Fans' perspectives on player injuries

08:52 Reflecting on the playoff win

13:18 Engaging in hockey Discord chats

14:29 Analyzing college and hockey strategy

18:36 McDavid and Draisaitl strategic play

22:55 Edmonton's Game Strategy Analysis

24:16 Oilers playoff challenges ahead

28:07 Maintaining control in hockey games

DO OR DIE: How the Oilers SAVED Their Season in Game 5

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/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.  

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON 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. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!

Warby Parker

It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.
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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