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The Edmonton Oilers are scoring freely but conceding too many goals early in the 2026-27 NHL season, with coach Mike Babcock stressing defence at practice.
The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, are facing early defensive struggles in the 2026-27 NHL season despite new coach Mike Babcock emphasizing defence throughout training camp. The team scored 14 goals in its first two games but allowed 13, taking three of four possible points against the Vancouver Canucks. After a 6-5 overtime loss at home and a 9-7 win in Vancouver, the Oilers are focusing on tightening their play before Saturday evening's game against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Babcock Points to Coaching as Key
When asked about the defensive issues after practice Friday morning, Babcock said the responsibility lies with the coaching staff. Do I want to give up all those goals? No, not really interested in that, he said. But the bottom line is it gives us something to work on and get better. If it was not this early, I might be worried, but we will get back to work and worry about it later. Babcock and his staff have been stressing defensive play at practice, with particular focus on defencemen Jake Walman and newcomer Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Walman and Mukhamadullin Under Scrutiny
Walman was benched at one point in Thursday's 9-7 win in Vancouver and finished minus-3, while Mukhamadullin was minus-6 through two games. Sometimes that happens, Walman said Friday. You have to get back to your game as quickly as possible. Nobody wants to correct his mistake more than the guy on the ice, and that is me. The veteran defenceman, like his teammates, refused to blame goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi.
Goaltending and Team Defence in Focus
Jarry gave up six goals on 23 shots in the Oilers' 6-5 overtime loss at home, while Levi surrendered seven on 22 shots in the 9-7 win in Vancouver. When you let in that many goals, it is a team thing for sure, said Walman. In that first game we gave up three or four breakaways, a couple of two-on-one odd-man rushes, so percentages are not looking good. It is great to be scoring goals. We know we can do that, but the next step in our game is keeping it out of our net. I thought we have got a lot of new stuff going on and just trying to get it all together. I think we are doing a great job of piecing it bit by bit. We are on our way to putting it all together.
Late-Game Collapse Highlights Issues
Walman said things got out of control Thursday after the Oilers built an 8-2 lead midway through the game and then had to hang on for the win. Coaches have been doing a good job of putting it in our heads to not take your foot off the gas, he said. For whatever reason, last game it just compounded a bit. When we let in a couple of goals, it just kind of spiralled a bit. The Oilers will look to correct these issues when they face the Seattle Kraken on Saturday evening. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2026. John Korobanik, The Canadian Press.
Edmonton Oilers Mike Babcock Connor Mcdavid NHL Vancouver Canucks Seattle Kraken Jake Walman
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