The Edmonton Oilers continue to encounter defensive challenges early in the 2026-27 NHL season, despite new head coach Mike Babcock’s emphasis on defence during training camp. While the team, led by captain Connor McDavid, has displayed potent offensive firepower by scoring 14 goals across its first two games, the Oilers have also allowed 13 goals against, signaling ongoing issues at the back.

Following Friday morning practice ahead of Saturday’s home game against the Seattle Kraken, Babcock took responsibility for the team's defensive struggles. “Do I want to give up all those goals? No,” he said. “The bottom line is it gives us something to work on and get better. If it wasn’t this early, I might be worried, but we’ll get back to work and worry about it later.”

The coaching staff maintained a focus on defensive improvements during practice, with particular attention on blueliners Jake Walman and rookie Shakir Mukhamadullin. Walman, a veteran defenseman who was benched during Thursday’s 9-7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, recorded a minus-3 rating through the first two games. Mukhamadullin, meanwhile, was minus-6 overall.

Walman acknowledged the difficulties but stressed the need to quickly refocus. “Sometimes that happens. You have to get back to your game as quickly as possible. Nobody wants to correct his mistake more than the guy on the ice, and that’s me,” he said.

The defense group, however, did not place blame on the goaltenders for the high goals against total. Tristan Jarry allowed six goals on 23 shots in Edmonton’s 6-5 overtime loss to Seattle, while Devon Levi conceded seven goals on 22 shots during the win in Vancouver.

“When you let in that many goals, it’s a team thing for sure,” Walman said. “In that first game, we gave up three or four breakaways, a couple of two-on-one odd-man rushes, so percentages aren’t looking good.”

While recognizing the Oilers’ offensive strengths, Walman emphasized the need for defensive cohesion. “It’s great to be scoring goals. We know we can do that, but the next step in our game is keeping it out of our net.” He added that adapting to new defensive systems has been a gradual process: “We’ve got a lot of new stuff going on and just trying to get it all together. I think we’re doing a great job of piecing it bit by bit.”

Reflecting on Thursday’s game, Walman noted that an 8-2 lead quickly slipped away, requiring his team to hold on for the win. “Coaches have been doing a good job of putting it in our heads to not take your foot off the gas. For whatever reason, last game it just compounded a bit. When we let in a couple of goals, it just kind of spiraled a bit,” he said.

The Oilers will look to improve their defensive performance as they prepare for their next matchup against the Seattle Kraken.