After closing out January on a 4-0 unbeaten run, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have hit a rough patch again, having lost three of four games. That stretch includes back-to-back losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks — both at home and on a combined score of 8-1.

Speaking to the media following the 4-1 loss to the Blackhawks Wednesday night, McDavid did not hold back in critiquing the way the Oilers have played in the last two games.

Via TSN:

“I think we’ve been out of sync all over,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said after the latest loss. “Passes aren’t clean, we haven’t battled hard enough around their net. Offensively we’ve been poor these two games.

“We lost the special team battle again tonight and that’s a big part of our game. When we don’t find a way to win the special teams battle, it seems like we’re chasing the game.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by forward Zach Hyman (18), his second of the game during the second period against the Utah Hockey Club at Rogers Place.
2 Oilers who must step up after Zach Hyman’s postseason-ending injuryTristin McKinstry ·
Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena.
Oilers’ Zach Hyman getting season-ending surgery amid Stars seriesChristopher Hennessy ·
Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates after he scores a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place.
Zach Hyman’s Oilers teammates speak on injury: ‘He means everything’Christopher Hennessy ·
Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) talks to left wing Zach Hyman (18) in the second period against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center.
Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl makes prediction after Zach Hyman injuryColin Gallant ·
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) and Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) skate for a puck in the second period during game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
What Oilers’ Zach Hyman said about being ‘physical’ before Game 4 injuryChristopher Hennessy ·
The Edmonton Oilers celebrate the victory over the Dallas Stars in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place.
Oilers fans have 4-word Stanley Cup message in closing seconds of Game 4Alex House ·

The loss to the Blackhawks must be so frustrating for McDavid and the Oilers, as they dominated possession of the puck throughout the contest. They launched 41 shots to just 30 by Chicago. And as mentioned by McDavid, the Oilers' special teams did not have a night to remember, as Edmonton went just 1/4 on the power play and let the Blackhawks bury two goals on four chances on the man advantage.

The Oilers will look to prevent a three-game skid when they host the New York Islanders Friday night.

Edmonton is fifth in the Pacific Division with 49 points, six points back of the division leaders Golden Knights.