Winning isn’t everything at least not in the way most hockey fans think about it. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis reflects on what truly defines success for players and teams in today’s NHL. From Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s chase for the Stanley Cup to the Edmonton Oilers’ roster development, we examine how progress can exist even without a championship.

We also highlight growth stories for players like Evan Bouchard, Vasily Podkolzin, and Brett Kulak, and compare how organizations like the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens measure success in different stages of their rebuilds. This episode challenges the “championship or failure” narrative and asks a bigger question: What do we really value in hockey?

0:00 Intro: The state of sports media today

5:47 Stephen A. Smith and the contentification of journalism

17:39 Hockey as a weak link sport

23:46 Finding meaning in the attempt, not just winning

28:50 Outro: Internship and affiliation agreements

Redefining Success: What Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers Teach Us About Winning and Life

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Do you want to understand hockey like a true analyst? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis takes a deep dive into advanced hockey analytics breaking down the difference between counting stats, descriptive stats, and predictive stats and why understanding these numbers is essential for evaluating NHL players and teams. We explore how metrics like expected goals (xG), high‑danger scoring chances, and shot quality provide a clearer picture than traditional box‑score stats like goals and assists.

Nick uses examples from players like Zach Hyman, Tim Stützle, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others to explain how context, efficiency, and style of play shape offensive production. Plus, we compare the offensive approaches of teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils showing how quality vs. quantity influences playoff success. If you want to learn how analytics can make you a smarter fan, this is the episode for you.

0:00 Intro: Understanding hockey like a nerd

3:37 Quality vs quantity in NHL offense

7:41 Expected goals and high danger chances

11:45 Why statistics enhance hockey analysis

16:51 Carolina Hurricanes: Quantity-focused team example

20:24 Limitations of advanced hockey statistics

24:59 Offense vs defense: Which is more valuable?

How to understand the NHL like a nerd does | Guy who failed intro to statistics explains math!

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The Edmonton Oilers are known for having one of the most dangerous power plays in the NHL, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. But in 2024‑25, the Oilers’ power play dropped from top‑five status to 11th in the league. On this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the numbers behind this regression fewer scoring chances, decreased shots on goal, and a notable decline in high‑danger opportunities. Was this simply a case of Zach Hyman’s regression from his career‑best season, or is the problem rooted in strategy and predictability?

We explore the underlying analytics, how opposing defenses like the Florida Panthers neutralized Edmonton’s man advantage in the Stanley Cup Final, and what changes new coaching tactics could bring. From puck‑movement strategies to adjusting zone entries and personnel usage, Nick offers solutions to help the Oilers return to elite status on special teams in 2025‑26.

0:00 Intro: Oilers power play analysis

5:16 Raw numbers: Power play time and opportunities

16:28 Impact of power play regression over a season

19:34 Investigating year-over-year power play changes

24:09 Oilers' unique power play structure and tactics

28:46 Outro: Subscribe and upcoming content

Edmonton Oilers Special Teams Struggles: Why the Power Play Dropped & How to Fix It

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#NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Edmonton Oilers have fallen short in back‑to‑back Stanley Cup Finals, but how different were the 2023‑24 and 2024‑25 teams? Host Nick Zararis examines the numbers behind the Oilers’ regression from Zach Hyman’s scoring drop to the loss of Evander Kane and a less dominant power play to explain why Edmonton couldn’t get over the hump.

We also break down playoff performance, penalty kill swings, and goaltending consistency from Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, plus what roster adjustments could help Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Oilers finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.

0:00 Intro: Comparing Oilers' last two seasons

10:46 Situational opportunity and randomness in sports

16:22 Playoff performance and goaltending analysis

25:00 Lessons learned and potential for improvement

Edmonton Oilers: Lessons From Two Stanley Cup Final Losses

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The Edmonton Oilers are entering the new season with more questions about their forwards than their defense. Can they still score enough to make a serious playoff push?

Host Nick Zararis breaks down:

The Oilers’ 5-on-5 and power play scoring from last year

Which scorers are gone—and how many goals they’re taking with them

Projected goal regression (good and bad)

Who can realistically fill the gap

This is a stat-heavy, logic-first deep dive that every Oilers fan should hear. Can McDavid and Draisaitl still carry the load—or will they need help?

Locked On Oilers is part of the Locked On Podcast Network—your team, every day.

0:00 Intro: Oilers defense may outperform forwards

5:43 McDavid and Draisaitl's massive goal contributions

11:21 Analyzing player performance within team structure

16:56 Replacing 60-80 goals lost in offseason

22:34 Potential for positive regression in scoring

27:38 Outro: Evaluating roster changes and goals

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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)

For as good as Leon Draisaitl is for the Edmonton Oilers, the center fails to get credit for being as good as he is because he's teammates with Connor McDavid. Host Nick Zararis makes a case for Draisaitl being in the same vein as Evgeni Malkin, an equally worthy superstar companion to one of the best to ever play the game.

0:00 Intro: Leon Draisaitl's overlooked superstar status

5:51 Draisaitl's impressive Oilers franchise records

11:28 Thriving with less-than-ideal linemates

16:32 Draisaitl's versatility opens opportunities for teammates

21:38 Argument for best European player ever

27:13 Conclusion: Draisaitl's legacy and future

Why Leon Draisaitl deserves more credit across the NHL | The league's most under appreciated star
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
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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#NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

The Edmonton Oilers' future hangs in the balance. What happens if Connor McDavid doesn't sign an extension? On today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis breaks down why failing to extend the best player in the NHL would be an organizational disaster. We dive into potential trade packages, what kind of return Edmonton could even hope for, and the long-term implications of losing McDavid.

From the ripple effect on free agency to the psychological impact on the franchise, this episode explores every angle of the doomsday scenario. Featuring discussions on players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Lane Hutson and more.

5:16 McDavid's impact as best player in NHL

10:52 Exploring potential McDavid trade scenarios

16:29 Challenges of getting fair value for McDavid

21:33 Why superstars like McDavid are irreplaceable

26:41 Importance of extending McDavid for Oilers' future

What If the Oilers Lose Connor McDavid? | McDavid Trade Scenarios + Edmonton's Future Without Him
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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
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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#NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers

With Mattias Ekholm entering his mid-30s and playing a crucial role in unlocking Evan Bouchard, the Edmonton Oilers face a difficult decision. Host Nick Zararis breaks down the pros and cons of a potential extension, including aging curves, salary cap implications, and comparable contracts for Chris Tanev, Ryan McDonagh, and more.

Nick also looks at:

Ekholm’s value beyond the box score

How defense-first players age in today’s speed-and-skill NHL

Why Jake Walman might be the long-term solution

📲 Subscribe and leave a five-star review to support the show!

0:00 Intro: Oilers' decisions on Matthias Ekholm's future

5:14 Challenges in valuing defensive defensemen

10:22 Current NHL market for aging defensemen

15:58 Comparing Ekholm to other defensive contracts

20:04 Ekholm's importance to Oilers' playoff success

24:38 Finding the right partner for top defensemen

28:41 Outro: Subscribe to Locked On NHL

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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)