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McDavid rips himself and Oilers in animated comments after loss to Penguins


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Liam McCormick
January 23, 2026  (9:42)
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Connor McDavid
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw

The Edmonton Oilers gave up 3 goals in the first minute against the Penguins, and from there on out they waived the white flag - which is unacceptable to Connor McDavid.

McDavid is having a resurgent season, currently on pace to score 34 more points than he did last year. But he and the Oilers have hit a cold stretch, and now the captain is calling out himself and his teammates to be better.

Connor McDavid calls out himself and teammates after disappointing loss to Penguins

Speaking to the media after the game, McDavid couldn't hold back his frustration. He said the Oilers have seen a major slip in their play lately, and it begins with himself.
It starts with me. The last two, probably not my best. I can be better, and when I'm better, usually the whole group responds. That starts there.

Sense of urgency even starts in practice. I thought our puck play's been real bad. Real, real bad. Not really connecting on passes, when we do it's sloppy, bouncing, whatever it is. When you play that way it looks slow and clunky. I thought we've looked that way in the last few games.

- Connor McDavid
McDavid hasn't registered a point in the last two games, and last night's game against Pittsburgh was one of the very rare nights where he truly had a bad game.
He gave the puck away multiple times which led to goals, took a penalty in the offensive zone, and couldn't find a way to get on the scoresheet.
However, when McDavid comes out like this and publicly criticizes himself of the team, there's always a response.
At the very least, McDavid will be out to elevate his game tomorrow against Washington, which as he said, will elevate the rest of the team as well.
The Oilers have been put on notice by their captain, and now we'll see how they can respond against a good Capitals team.
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McDavid rips himself and Oilers in animated comments after loss to Penguins

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