We're into uncharted waters.

With their 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers extended their losing streak to four games for the first time this season.

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Though they acquitted themselves better against the Lightning than in their back-to-back losses over the weekend, the result was the same: another frustrating regulation loss and the sinking feeling that this team is missing something.

The Oilers started the game by extending a different streak, as Leon Draisaitl scored on the powerplay to extend his goal-scoring streak to six games. The goal, Draisaitl's 43rd, puts him ten goals ahead of William Nylander for the NHL lead.

That was the end of the good news for Edmonton. They were their own worst enemies on Tuesday night, seemingly unable to get out of their own way against a ruthlessly opportunistic Lightning squad. Jon Cooper's teams have always excelled at forcing and capitalizing on mistakes, and they feasted on the Oilers all night.

First, they turned a Kasperi Kapanen turnover into the tying goal:

Then, Brandon Hagel caught Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner napping to start the second period:

The Lightning tacked on two more courtesy of Victor Hedman and Nick Paul, but it was over after the Hagel goal. Playing their third game in four days on a road trip coming out of the 4 Nations break, the Oilers looked demoralized and disinterested yet again.

A dip is understandable; we're into the hockey equivalent of baseball's "dog days of summer", and the Oilers have one of the oldest rosters in the league. However, important players such as Bouchard, Skinner, and even Connor McDavid have been subpar since the break, not to mention the invisible supporting cast.

With just over a week left until the trade deadline, the Oilers' current losing streak should be a sign to the front office that something needs to change, and soon.

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