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Oilers analyst guarantees Connor McDavid is playing through injury
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Connor McDavid got on the board in last night's Oilers win, but Oilers analyst Bruce Curlock is now guaranteeing that the captain is playing through an injury.
Earlier this season, fans and analysts began to notice a downward trend in Connor McDavid's shooting volume. With the trend continuing late into the year, an injury looks like a likely cause.
Oilers analyst convinced Connor McDavid's decreased shooting stems from injury
When discussing Connor McDavid's lower scoring year than usual, OilersNation analyst Bruce Curlock firmly stated that he is positive that the Captain is currently playing through injury.
Fans have identified that McDavid's shooting rate has declined significantly in the last two seasons, especially down from his Rocket Richard year.
Shooting less, McDavid is bound to score less - but it raises the question as to reasons behind the decline in shooting.
Curlock believes an injury is affecting McDavid's play in some manner. Some wrist or upper body injuries could contribute to a reluctance to shoot, his puck handling, and more.
In a tough stretch earlier this season, McDavid openly admitted that he hasn't been feeling his best at times this season, likely hinting that he's playing through injury or illness.
I'd be lying if I said I've been feeling good out there. It's been tough to get going.
If I'm not touching the puck, it's usually a sign that I'm not playing very well. The more times I touch it means I've won more battles, been around it a little bit more. Just haven't been around it enough.
- Connor McDavid
If I'm not touching the puck, it's usually a sign that I'm not playing very well. The more times I touch it means I've won more battles, been around it a little bit more. Just haven't been around it enough.
- Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid will turn it on when it matters for the Edmonton Oilers
At the same time, there shouldn't be too much worry about Connor McDavid. He's still the best player in the world.
McDavjd would still be on pace for 115 points in a full season, which is still an incredible year. This season in particular must be difficult on McDavid and the Oilers for the raw amount of games they've played - fatigue could be a factor as well.
Still, nobody is concerned that McDavid won't turn on his game to the best levels and dominate come the playoffs, just like he did at 4 Nations.
This season the Oilers and McDavid are more motivated than ever to win the Cup, but it'll take another long daunting playoff run to just another shot.
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 595 ANSWERS Oilers analyst guarantees Connor McDavid is playing through injury Do you think McDavid is currently playing through an injury? | ||
| Yes | 484 | 81.3 % |
| No | 111 | 18.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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