For years, the Oilers have been told the same story – that because of who they start at centre, they have to win. Maybe they’re tired of that story
So here’s Connor McDavid after the Edmonton Oilers lay down and died in front of another meh opponent to start the season.
“I thought we lost a lot of puck battles today. Didn’t like that. Don’t like seeing that. I thought our puck play wasn’t good enough today. To a man, not good enough from everybody.”To a man, after Saturday’s 5-2 gazumping by Nashville, the impression given was of a team that doesn’t know why it’s bad.Great plan. Better get started Googling ‘magic pills.’
People and storylines come and go in Edmonton, but one question that can never be said aloud floats above them all – ‘Are we wasting the greatest player in NHL history?’But he has that sort of quality. For his part, McDavid has been too good and not good enough. His regular seasons suggest an all-timer. His post-seasons suggest a part-timer. It’s not entirely his fault – defence wins Stanley Cups, and McDavid can’t skate in goalie pads. But if you want to be under the glare, you have to prepare for sunburn.What nobody ever seems to talk about is what this must be like for everybody else on the roster.
McDavid may finally be feeling it, too. He’s always been older than his years, but he has an especially drawn look this season. He missed some time straight off the bat with an undisclosed upper-body injury. He has claimed to be fine now, but that’s what players say when they aren’t.
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