Connor McDavid sends strong message to Oilers critics picking Kings to win in playoffs
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Connor McDavid was one of the few Oilers at practice today, and met with media afterwards to deny any doubts around the team entering the playoffs.
The Oilers currently are dealing with injuries to 8 key players, including Mattias Ekholm who will miss the first round. Injuries seem like a concern, but McDavid is saying the Oilers will overcome all challenges.
Connor McDavid denies the Oilers critics with legendary response
McDavid recognized the doubts around the team entering the playoffs wounded, but insisted that every player that can be available will be bringing their best in another pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
We have this like aura about us that we're the walking wounded, but we're just fine. Everybody's going to be ready to roll. Everybody is doing whatever they can. I don't like this whole notion that we're the walking wounded here. We're ready to roll.
I don't like the theory that people are counting us out. We're a great team here. Bumps and bruises along the way, but we're a dangerous team when we're rolling and we're healthy - and we are healthy. I think you'll see that over the next little while.
- Connor McDavid
I don't like the theory that people are counting us out. We're a great team here. Bumps and bruises along the way, but we're a dangerous team when we're rolling and we're healthy - and we are healthy. I think you'll see that over the next little while.
- Connor McDavid
McDavid mentioned multiple times that he feels much better now than he has since prior to the 4 Nations Faceoff.
The small stretch of rest has brought him to 100%, and it's shown in his ridiculous run of 9 assists in 3 games.
The one player McDavid did acknowledge as a significant loss for the team was defenceman Mattias Ekholm, who's been ruled out for the entire first round. Hopefully, he will be able to return if the Oilers can extend the postseason
Oilers still confident as heading into playoff matchup vs Los Angeles Kings
The Oilers are a team with tons of playoff experience, more motivated than ever to win a championship, and have still controlled play this season despite challenges with injuries and goaltending.
They'll have a tough test this season against Los Angeles, but it's not like they haven't done it before.
McDavid is absolutely right to have full belief in his group to get back to the Cup Final this season, and get a better result this time. This was an incredible moment of leadership from the Oilers captain to back his team.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 807 ANSWERS Connor McDavid sends strong message to Oilers critics picking Kings to win in playoffs Do you think the Oilers will beat the Kings in Game 1 of the playoffs? | ||
| Yes, Oilers win first | 602 | 74.6 % |
| No, Kings take Game 1 | 205 | 25.4 % |
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