The Edmonton Oilers have their fair share of flaws. They also have five more wins and seven more points this season than they had at the exact same point last season.
The Oilers are on pace to be one of the most improved teams in the NHL despite persistent defensive breakdowns, inconsistent goaltending and the massive hole in their lineup created by rookie center Connor McDavid's broken left clavicle.
Everything is relative, of course, and that's why it's fair to call the Oilers improved but far too premature to call them successful or a success story.