Former Oiler highlights new trend for McDavid making massive difference in scoring
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
In the month of December, Connor McDavid has been nothing short of spectacular - and he's been playing less ice time.
McDavid has 12 goals and 26 points in his last ten games, an unreal run that's got him back in the lead for NHL scoring. After a slow start this season, the Oilers have settled in to a great routine with the Captain, and he's delivering.
Connor McDavid is playing less and doing more for Edmonton Oilers
On a recent episode of Spittin' Chiclets, the hosts spoke about what could be behind McDavid's rise to the top of NHL stats.
So, McDavid's ice time is down, and it makes a lot of sense.
It's down about a minute a game, even a minute and a half a game in December compared to October and November.
Dude, it adds up. The matchups are the toughest you're going to get. You get 90 seconds less a game? That's just more energy on the bench. They're recovering quicker - It kind of explains this explosion he's on right now.
- Ryan Whitney
It's down about a minute a game, even a minute and a half a game in December compared to October and November.
Dude, it adds up. The matchups are the toughest you're going to get. You get 90 seconds less a game? That's just more energy on the bench. They're recovering quicker - It kind of explains this explosion he's on right now.
- Ryan Whitney
Several reports in November had indeed commented on how McDavid's increased ice-time was impacting his production and level of play. Many had suggested he looked tired coming into the season.
What a difference a month makes. Since December, Connor has been by far the best player in the league. For a while, Nathan MacKinnon was making a case that had NHL fans asking which player is better.
No longer the case. McDavid is first in the NHL in assists with 39, and tied for third in goals with 23. He's also been shooting far more than early this season, after he criticized himself for passing up on too many chances.
And all the while, he's led his Oilers' club to a playoff spot in the standings. Edmonton is 3rd in the Pacific with 42 points, only 2 behind the 1st-place Ducks.
Many had doubted McDavid because he wasn't doing McDavid things early on. Well, he may just be setting a new standard for others to follow.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 594 ANSWERS Former Oiler highlights new trend for McDavid making massive difference in scoring Is this as good as you've seen Connor McDavid play, since he started this heater he's on? | ||
| yes | 530 | 89.2 % |
| no | 64 | 10.8 % |
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