Why Can't The Oilers Score Empty Net Goals?

[DitchMarner]

This week they've played three games and faced an empty net in each of them and failed to score each time.

On Monday, McDavid scored the GWG (and the only goal) in a 1-0 win over LA on his 28th birthday. With the Kings' net empty, he hit the post. Against MIN and COL, the Oilers never came close to scoring an empty net goal.

In fact, I believe McDavid has zero or close to zero empty points all season, which is almost unthinkable considering how often the Oilers win, how much they dominate possession and McDavid's speed. You would think he would rack up a ton of empty net points like his rivals MacKinnon and Kucherov or at least more than he has scored.

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[Spawn]

It's unethical to score empty net points. McDavid hit the post on an empty net chance on purpose the other game.

 

[Duke74]

Oilers have had this issue all year. My guess is that Knoblauch coaches them to prioritize defending the lead over blowing the zone and cherry-picking for ENG.

It's kind of unfortunate though because it puts our stars at a bit of a disadvantage over other teams' stars (MacKinnon, Kucherov, etc.).

 

[Tralfamadore]

Their stars just aren't on the same level as some other elite players in the league like MacKinnon and Rantanen.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

They’re trying to give everyone else a chance

 

[oXo Cube]

Management has asked them not to to keep the cost down on McDavid's extension.

 

[BB79]

Imagine not being able to score empty net goals being your team's problem? Life must be good in Edmonton.

 

[HF007]

Not fast enough

 

[AvroArrow]

McDavid and Draisaitl confirmed busts

 

[DingerMcSlapshot]

Because they all fight over the loose puck. To stat pad.

 

[Nikki Potnick]

Only elite teams score empty net goals.

 

[TheLegend27]

It’s a trap. They are pretending to be terrible at empty nets so that teams pull the goalie earlier in the playoffs. That’s when they’ll put the game to bed early.

 

[tabness]

they are honorable

Al Iafrate must be on the coaching staff

 

[NotAVacuumSalesman]

They’re afraid of being labeled as ENG merchants.

It hurts their feelings.

 

[MessierII]

The oilers have always had a hard time 6 on 5. Even when they get looks they just try to pass it and then nobody gets anything.

 

[NotAVacuumSalesman]

They’re trying to give everyone else a chance

“Alright Stu Skinner, it’s about time you do the scoring for once in your life!”

 

[maroon 6]

Patrik Stefan curse for the Ales Hemsky goal

 

[Norwegianoiler]

Oilers have had this issue all year. My guess is that Knoblauch coaches them to prioritize defending the lead over blowing the zone and cherry-picking for ENG.

It's kind of unfortunate though because it puts our stars at a bit of a disadvantage over other teams' stars (MacKinnon, Kucherov, etc.).

Team over name, always.

If the team wins, consistently and coherently, who cares how many points players get? Having award winning players is a fine consolation prize, but sometimes we forget to enjoy a winning team for so many minor and ultimately insignificant reasons.

 

[Senor Catface]

Because they all fight over the loose puck. To stat pad.

1/10
Poor bait.

 

[syz]

Because they try to pass it into the net even when there's no goalie.

 

[dirtydanglez]

not clutch

 

[Kerberos]

They play EN situations like a PK in addition to being ridiculously passive and stationary. Almost cost them against the Avs last game.

And then when an opportunity arises, they usually get scared of the EN and refuse to put the puck near it.

 

[DingerMcSlapshot]

1/10
Poor bait.

It's all in how you jiggle it.

 

[NVious]

They NEED Tristan Jarry

 

[Susannah]

Edmonton needs to trade for Sidney Crosby. He has the most empty net points in NHL history.