NHL: McDavid return ‘important’ to Oilers as they face heavyweights
The Edmonton Oilers received some good news as superstar Connor McDavid is set to make an early return to the lineup. McDavid, who suffered an ankle injury just nine days ago, was initially expected to miss up to 11 games but has recovered quicker than expected.
In a press conference before Wednesday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, McDavid expressed his surprise at how quickly he healed. He mentioned that his ankle feels really good now and that he wouldn’t be playing if he wasn’t confident in his recovery. Despite facing tough divisional opponents in the upcoming games, McDavid is eager to get back on the ice.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch is grateful for McDavid’s return, especially with the quality of the upcoming opponents. The Golden Knights, with a record of 8-3-1, have been playing exceptionally well, making McDavid’s presence crucial for the Oilers.
McDavid’s return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s power play, which has been struggling this season. The Oilers currently rank 27th in the NHL in power-play percentage, a far cry from their previous seasons where they were among the top teams in that category.
To make room for McDavid on the roster, the Oilers assigned centre Noah Philp to the American Hockey League. Philp and Drake Caggiula were called up when McDavid got injured, with Caggiula being sent down to the AHL to accommodate McDavid’s return.
In Wednesday’s game, winger Jeff Skinner will join McDavid on the top line. Skinner, known for his scoring ability, will provide offensive support alongside McDavid. The projected lineup for the game includes a mix of experienced players and young talent, with a focus on maximizing offensive opportunities.
Overall, McDavid’s early return is a welcome development for the Oilers as they gear up to face tough competition in the coming games. His presence on the ice is sure to have a positive impact on the team’s performance and hopefully help them secure some crucial wins.
