They're 4-0-0 for the first time since 2008-09, having come from behind in each game. Connor McDavid has 10 points (three goals, seven assists), including three straight multipoint games. Leon Draisaitl has eight points (two goals, six assists), and scored the shootout winner in a 4-3 victory against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. James Neal, traded to the Oilers in the offseason, has lived up to the nickname "The Real Deal," leading the NHL with seven goals after scoring seven in 63 games with the Calgary Flames last season.
Not only does new coach Dave Tippett have the Oilers playing better, he has them winning close games (three of their wins have been by one goal). Part of the reason is the goalie tandem of Mikko Koskinen (2-0-0, 2.40 goals-against average) and Mike Smith (2-0-0, 3.50 GAA). Special teams have also been key. The Oilers are 6-for-15 on the power play, and at 40.0 percent they're fourth in the NHL. They are 12-for-13 on the penalty kill, with their 92.3 percent success rate fifth-best in the League. Their power play was ninth in the League (21.2 percent) while the penalty kill was 30th (74.8 percent) last season.