Oilers' Connor McDavid reveals conversations with teammates to fix problem this season
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers have often had the problem of starting the regular season poorly, and this year McDavid is putting his foot down.
The last two seasons, the Oilers began the year far below their expectations. In the 2023-24 season, their start was so poor it led to the firing of Jay Woodcroft - and they weren't great the following year either.
Connor McDavid sending direct message to Oilers teammates to avoid slow start this season
Speaking to the media after Captain's Skates, McDavid once again highlighted the team's history of poor starts to a regular season. He revealed that he's spoken to teammates about it, and their focus is on having a much better beginning to this year.
"I talk to you guys every September about the need for a good start & it seems like we've kind of struggled with that the last couple of years. That's where our focus is at, making sure our group is ready.»
The Oilers biggest priorities for next season lay closer to Game 82 than Game 1, but having a better start absolutely needs to be a focus of this year's team - especially if Connor McDavid remains unsigned.
Last season, the Oilers had to open the first three rounds of the playoffs on the road. Their home ice advantage at Rogers Place is among the best in the NHL in the playoffs, and it's a benefit the team should consciously chase through the season.
McDavid is right to take the leadership role of having conversations with each of his teammates to stress the importance of the upcoming year, and especially having a good start.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 6 | 481 ANSWERS Oilers' Connor McDavid reveals conversations with teammates to fix problem this season Do you think Connor McDavid has become a good leader for the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 412 | 85.7 % |
| No | 69 | 14.3 % |
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