Winning isn’t everything at least not in the way most hockey fans think about it. In this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis reflects on what truly defines success for players and teams in today’s NHL. From Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s chase for the Stanley Cup to the Edmonton Oilers’ roster development, we examine how progress can exist even without a championship.

We also highlight growth stories for players like Evan Bouchard, Vasily Podkolzin, and Brett Kulak, and compare how organizations like the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens measure success in different stages of their rebuilds. This episode challenges the “championship or failure” narrative and asks a bigger question: What do we really value in hockey?

0:00 Intro: The state of sports media today

5:47 Stephen A. Smith and the contentification of journalism

17:39 Hockey as a weak link sport

23:46 Finding meaning in the attempt, not just winning

28:50 Outro: Internship and affiliation agreements

Redefining Success: What Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers Teach Us About Winning and Life

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Do you want to understand hockey like a true analyst? In this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis takes a deep dive into advanced hockey analytics breaking down the difference between counting stats, descriptive stats, and predictive stats and why understanding these numbers is essential for evaluating NHL players and teams. We explore how metrics like expected goals (xG), high‑danger scoring chances, and shot quality provide a clearer picture than traditional box‑score stats like goals and assists.

Nick uses examples from players like Zach Hyman, Tim Stützle, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and others to explain how context, efficiency, and style of play shape offensive production. Plus, we compare the offensive approaches of teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and New Jersey Devils showing how quality vs. quantity influences playoff success. If you want to learn how analytics can make you a smarter fan, this is the episode for you.

0:00 Intro: Understanding hockey like a nerd

3:37 Quality vs quantity in NHL offense

7:41 Expected goals and high danger chances

11:45 Why statistics enhance hockey analysis

16:51 Carolina Hurricanes: Quantity-focused team example

20:24 Limitations of advanced hockey statistics

24:59 Offense vs defense: Which is more valuable?

How to understand the NHL like a nerd does | Guy who failed intro to statistics explains math!

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Edmonton Oilers are known for having one of the most dangerous power plays in the NHL, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. But in 2024‑25, the Oilers’ power play dropped from top‑five status to 11th in the league. On this episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis dives deep into the numbers behind this regression fewer scoring chances, decreased shots on goal, and a notable decline in high‑danger opportunities. Was this simply a case of Zach Hyman’s regression from his career‑best season, or is the problem rooted in strategy and predictability?

We explore the underlying analytics, how opposing defenses like the Florida Panthers neutralized Edmonton’s man advantage in the Stanley Cup Final, and what changes new coaching tactics could bring. From puck‑movement strategies to adjusting zone entries and personnel usage, Nick offers solutions to help the Oilers return to elite status on special teams in 2025‑26.

0:00 Intro: Oilers power play analysis

5:16 Raw numbers: Power play time and opportunities

16:28 Impact of power play regression over a season

19:34 Investigating year-over-year power play changes

24:09 Oilers' unique power play structure and tactics

28:46 Outro: Subscribe and upcoming content

Edmonton Oilers Special Teams Struggles: Why the Power Play Dropped & How to Fix It

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Monarch Money
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins!
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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