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‘I Think It’s Coaching’: Babcock Takes Blame for Oilers’ Defensive Struggles

Babcock said Edmonton’s defensive mistakes came from poor teaching, not goaltending, after the Oilers allowed 13 goals in two games.

  • Coach Mike Babcock accepted responsibility for the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers' defensive struggles on Friday, citing the 13 goals allowed against the Vancouver Canucks in two games.
  • Goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi faced only 21 Grade A shots yet surrendered 13 goals, prompting Babcock to attribute struggles to coaching rather than scapegoating the netminders.
  • Defenceman Jake Walman refused to blame the goalies, stating, "When you let in that many goals, it's a team thing for sure," and emphasized players must correct mistakes quickly.
  • Tactical errors in F3 coverage and pinching defencemen caused multiple breakaways and odd-man rushes, forcing Babcock to demand better organization when exiting the offensive zone.
  • Preparing for Saturday's game against the Seattle Kraken, coaching staff emphasized defensive play with specific focus on veteran Jake Walman and newcomer Shakir Mukhamadullin on the blue line.
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17 Articles

Center

The Edmonton team conceded 13 goals to their first two games of the season.

·Montreal, Canada
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The Globe & MailThe Globe & Mail
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Global NewsGlobal News
Center

Babcock takes blame as Oilers struggle defensively

Edmonton head coach refuses to blame his goaltenders

·Toronto, Canada
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The Toronto StarThe Toronto Star
+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Lean Left

‘I think it’s coaching’: Babcock takes blame for Oilers’ defensive struggles

EDMONTON - Scoring goals is not a problem for the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers. Keeping the puck out of their net is another matter, despite new coach Mike Babcock stressing

·Toronto, Canada
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The Hamilton Spectator broke the news in Hamilton, Canada on Friday, October 2, 2026.
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