In recent seasons, the Oilers have been among the NHL's most offensively minded teams. And with an elite trio consisting of McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard, that is hardly surprising.
However, Babcock has introduced a notable tactical shift.
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Keeping the stars together
Whenever possible, all three superstars now play together at five-on-five. Babcock clearly understands the value of having his best players on the ice at the same time. Together, they have the potential to generate more offence than they would in separate units.
Last season, the trio averaged just 3:25 of five-on-five ice time together per game. This season, that figure has increased to almost 12 minutes (11:49). That's a remarkable difference.
And their NHL scoring totals suggest that the strategy is already paying off.
The three players have combined for 17 goals scored and just 5 conceded while on the ice together. And they've achieved that in only 16 games.
Interestingly, however, they haven't quite dominated the underlying numbers to the extent some might have expected. Their expected goals share (xGF%) stands at 54.9%. That's certainly a strong figure, although perhaps not as overwhelming as their actual goal differential might suggest.
They have also combined for another 18 goals on the power play.
Across all game situations, the trio has been on the ice for 39 goals scored and just 8 conceded. All in only 16 games.
Incredible.
Less risk, fewer mistakes
Naturally, Edmonton's best players still enjoy a certain degree of freedom on the ice.
The same cannot be said for the team's other forward lines or defensive pair.
Last season, the Oilers were among the most entertaining teams in the NHL at five-on-five. Scoring chances at both ends of the ice were a regular feature of their games. That is no longer the case this season.
By the end of October, Edmonton ranked first in the entire league in rush chances against. That's a remarkable turnaround compared to the system under former head coach Kris Knoblauch, when the Oilers ranked as low as 30th in this category.
When space is limited in the neutral zone, Edmonton now resorts to dumping the puck in far more frequently. The team has also become significantly more effective in winning puck battles.
These changes fit perfectly with Babcock's philosophy. He has little appetite for unnecessary risks and instead prioritises disciplined hockey, limiting mistakes and making life as difficult as possible for opponents.
A defensive upgrade
One of the most noticeable consequences of these tactical adjustments has been Edmonton's improvement defensively.
In the 2025-26 season, the Oilers allowed opponents to generate 2.77 expected goals per 60 minutes. This season, that figure has dropped to just 2.38. Fortunately for Edmonton, the improvement in the underlying numbers has also translated into fewer goals conceded.
There is, of course, another side to the story. Edmonton's offensive production has suffered as a result.
At five-on-five, the Oilers are now generating fewer expected goals than they did in previous seasons.
However, when you have players such as McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard on your roster - and give them as much time together as possible - you can be confident that the goals will eventually come.
So far, the approach has worked extremely well for Edmonton. And it makes sense not only from an analytical perspective but also from a purely practical standpoint.
Keeping your best players together and allowing them a certain degree of freedom is a strategy that should work - and so far, it has worked exceptionally well.
At the same time, asking the remaining lines to play a more responsible game, take fewer risks and minimise mistakes is equally logical.
It is also worth remembering that the Oilers are still without Zach Hyman or Matthew Savoie. It will be particularly interesting to see how Edmonton performs once the roster is finally at full strength.
And could this finally be the year McDavid gets his long-awaited Stanley Cup?
Data source: evolving-hockey.com, naturalstattrick.com