Even a dramatic comeback victory wasn't enough to shield the Edmonton Oilers from sharp criticism, as former NHL star and current ESPN analyst P.K. Subban issued a blunt assessment of the team's performance. The Oilers secured an astonishing 5-4 comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, November 10, 2025, but Subban focused on the team's underlying issues.
A Scathing Critique Amidst a Win
Said Subban, the former ace defender for the Montreal Canadiens, "Win or lose…Oilers gotta wake up! Too many passengers!!" He expanded on his social media critique, questioning the team's depth and intensity. "Your best players always have to be your best players… but where is everyone else!??? Too many guys comfortable! Oilers gotta get comfortable with the uncomfortable fast! Gotta pay a bigger price to have success! Execution, dzone coverage, managing the clock, the game! Gotta be better! Tough to watch!"
Underlying Issues in the Oilers' Game
Subban's comments align with a concerning trend for the Oilers early in the 2025-26 NHL season. The team has managed only seven wins in 16 games, a record that reflects persistent problems. Analysis of the Columbus game revealed that while the top lines led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl eventually created high-quality chances, the bottom two lines were largely silent offensively. Defensively, several players made the same kind of miscues that have cost the team valuable points in the standings.
The overall battle level and defensive structure were identified as key weaknesses. The team is not consistently demonstrating the hard work—such as strong back-checking, covering the slot, and battling with a ferocious stick—required to win consistently in the modern NHL.
Glimmers of Hope and a Persistent Message
Despite the criticism, there were positive signs in the victory. Mattias Ekholm's game is trending upward, and newcomer Jack Roslovic looks like a shrewd acquisition, showing he can make plays alongside elite talent. Stuart Skinner made a crucial overtime save, and most notably, Connor McDavid looked like his dominant self for one of the first times this regular season.
This is not the first time Subban has targeted the Oilers' defensive frailties. Back in January 2024, he emphasized that winning tight games requires defensive structure, not just relying on superstar offense. His message remains consistent: for a team with championship aspirations, how you win matters, and habits are everything. With the Oilers falling short in the Stanley Cup Final in both 2024 (Game 7) and 2025 (Game 6), Subban's latest critique serves as a reminder that strong defence is just as vital as a brilliant attack for ultimate success.
