The Edmonton Oilers suffered a humbling 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, and it was clear this defeat cut deeper than most. After dropping four of their last five games, the frustration was evident on Connor McDavid’s face during his postgame media availability.

When asked about the team’s disastrous first period, McDavid could only repeat, “I don’t know. I don’t know. Yeah, I don’t. I don’t have any answers for you here tonight.”

That sense of uncertainty reflects a broader issue. Edmonton’s struggles are no longer isolated mistakes—they are systemic. The Oilers allowed four goals on just eight first-period shots, leaving both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard exposed behind a collapsing defensive system.

Structural issues behind Edmonton’s struggles

Pressed on the team’s defe

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