Mark Spector

Oilers' Evan Bouchard proving critics wrong with hot start

Mark Spector

Senior columnist Mark Spector is one of Canada’s leading voices on the NHL. Based in Edmonton, Spector gives Canadian hockey fans exclusive insight into the goings-on in NHL franchises while offering opinion and analysis of the Oilers.

Oilers flip script on Ducks with dominant final 40: 'We got competitive'

Mark Spector

Trailing by two goals after the first period, the Oilers pushed back, and for one night at least, the Ducks did not have an answer. "When we got competitive, things turned our way.”

Oilers notebook: Low-risk Hallander adds depth, compete to forward corps

Mark Spector

Oilers' search for perfect No. 2 defenceman still a work in progress

Mark Spector

Finding the right defenceman to complement to Evan Bouchard is still a work in progress and should be project No. 1 for associate coach D.J. Smith. Mark Spector breaks down some of the choices.

'Didn’t give up a touchdown': Oilers lock down tidy win over Kraken

Mark Spector

Strong defence, steady goaltending and limiting opponents' scoring chances should be a strategy that works for the Oilers. It did in a tidy win over the Kraken on Saturday night, writes Mark Spector.

Things we (think we) know: Oilers goaltending raises alarm bells

Mark Spector

Oilers lucky to overcome weak defence, goaltending for win over Canucks

Mark Spector

The Oilers almost gave away an 8-2 lead Thursday night before doing enough to beat the Canucks. After two games, it's clear Mike Babcock has plenty of work ahead when it comes to team defence.

Oilers' Devon Levi ready to seize opportunity in net: 'More in the toolbox'

Mark Spector

For Devon Levi, this is what a motivational speaker might call the precise intersection where preparation meets opportunity, the chance to become The Guy for a team that's desperately hoping for someone to step up and take the gig.

Sloppy Oilers deliver 'unacceptable' performance in Babcock's debut

Mark Spector

Oilers rolling with early setback as versatile Nugent-Hopkins sits out

Mark Spector

Like Mike Tyson so famously said, everyone has a plan — until you get punched in the mouth. Or get a lower-body injury. Mark Spector checks in on how the Oilers are reacting to their latest injury setback.