If the Edmonton Oilers want to climb the rankings, they need performances from Connor McDavid like the one he delivered in his team’s win over the New York Islanders at Rogers Place on Monday night.
The Alberta team captain ended a three-game losing streak without a point with a goal and an assist. His third goal of the season also ended an eight-game streak in which he did not score a single goal, according to the website NHL.com second longest of its kind in number 97’s career.
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“It’s nice to see the puck go into the net,” he admitted after the 4-1 triumph. “Offensive players obviously like to score goals, so I’m no different than the others.”
McDavid beat goaltender Ilya Sorokin midway through the third period while his team was playing with the man advantage, one of three wins for the Alberta club in the third period.
“That’s all we were missing,” added the center player. Obviously the special teams were good, but we lacked that performance in the third period. That’s what we and Stuart were missing [Skinner, le gardien des Oilers] very good played. He closed the door when we needed it.”
The Ontario native now has three goals and 12 points in 12 games in 2023-2024. With a record of 4-9-1 in 14 games, the Oilers are now in seventh place in the Pacific Division.
Victorious beginnings
Kris Knoblauch barely showed up for work the day before and celebrated his first win as the team’s new driver. He made his NHL debut at this position.
“It was obviously very exciting for him,” the captain said. His first win in the NHL. It’s been a long journey for him, it’s well deserved.”
The center played under the 45-year-old for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Junior League.
Edmonton will play its next game on Wednesday night when it hosts the Seattle Kraken.