Ya know, defence (and maybe an NHL trade deadline deal) wins championships

The Edmonton Oilers are playing consistently well enough to hold down a position high in the NHL standings thanks to a number of factors, including a much-improved defence.

Oscar Klefbom is leading the NHL in average time-on-ice and looking more and more like a true No. 1 defenceman, while Ethan Bear has been the surprise of the season on the blue line and has fit right in among the Oilers’ top-four blue-liners.

Host Craig Ellingson talks to Hockey Hall of Fame writer Jim Matheson about the Oilers’ defence and about what the team might need to make it a legitimate playoff contender. Immediate answer: A top-six winger and a better third-line centreman, pieces that Oilers GM Ken Holland is surely mulling even though the trade deadline is far off.