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Edmonton Oilers coach Mike Babcock says the team's defensive problems are on him after allowing 13 goals in two games, while Jake Walman and Shakir Mukhamadullin struggle on the blue line.
Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock shouts instructions to players against the Vancouver Canucks during first period NHL hockey action in Edmonton on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
Oilers Defence Needs Improvement
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan - The Canadian Press EDMONTON - Scoring goals is not a problem for the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers. Keeping the puck out of their net is another matter, despite new coach Mike Babcock stressing defence throughout training camp. Defensive weakness was an issue much of last season for the Oilers and the early returns have been similar in 2026-27.
Edmonton scored 14 goals in its first two games, taking three of four possible points against the Vancouver Canucks, but gave up 13. I think it's coaching. I think it's coaching, Babcock said when asked after practice Friday morning about the Oilers' defensive issues. Do I want to give up all those goals?
No. Not really interested in that, but the bottom line is it gives us something to work on and get better, he said. If it wasn't this early, I might be (worried), but we'll get back to work and worry about it later. Edmonton Oilers' Jake Walman (96) defends against Vancouver Canucks' Tom Willander (5) during first period NHL hockey action in Edmonton on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
Jake Walman and Blue Line Focus
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan Babcock and the coaching staff were back stressing defensive play at practice Friday in preparation for Saturday evening's game against the Seattle Kraken, with particular focus on Jake Walman and newcomer Shakir Mukhamadullin on the blue line. 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's me. The veteran defenceman, like his teammates, refused to blame goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi. 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 a 9-7 win in Vancouver.
When you let in that many goals, it's 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 aren't looking good. It's 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've got a lot of new stuff going on and just trying to get it all together. I think we're doing a great job of piecing it bit by bit. We're on our way to putting it all together. 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.
Oilers Prepare for Seattle Kraken
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 tighten up defensively when they host the Seattle Kraken on Saturday evening at Rogers Place.
Babcock said the focus in practice was on structure and decision-making in the defensive zone. Edmonton's high-octane offense has masked some of the issues so far, but the coaching staff knows that relying on outscoring opponents is not a sustainable formula for success. We have to be better in our own end, Babcock said. It's early, but we can't keep giving up five, six, seven goals and expect to win consistently.
The guys know that. We're working on it. The Oilers are expected to make some adjustments to their blue line pairings against Seattle, possibly limiting Mukhamadullin's minutes as he adjusts to the NHL pace. Walman, meanwhile, said he is determined to bounce back from a tough outing.
I pride myself on being reliable defensively, he said. I need to be better, and I will be. It's a long season. Edmonton's next game is Saturday against the Kraken, followed by a road trip that includes stops in Calgary and Winnipeg.
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CTVToronto:‘I think it’s coaching’: Babcock takes blame for Oilers’ defensive strugglesThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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