EDMONTON, AB - Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan can find relief in the fact that his team is .500 with a 3-2 record, winning three in a row - two being overtime victories.
But there are still areas in need of improvement for the club, including game starts.
Against the Bruins on Thursday - a 3-2 overtime outcome in favour of the Oilers - Edmonton was at one point out-shot 9-1 in the first half of the opening frame. Goaltender Cam Talbot was flawless, making 12 first-period stops to allow the Orange & Blue a chance at turning the tide in the remaining 40 minutes of play.
"I still don't think we're learning lessons that well," McLellan said following Friday's optional skate. "We're kind of wading into games and almost waiting for something negative to happen to trigger our good game, and that has to get fixed. It's still early and I still believe this team is fighting off the past a little bit.
BLOG: McLellan identifies areas in need of improvement
Team must compete harder earlier in games, coach believes
