The dependence of the Edmonton Oilers on Connor McDavid comes into sharp focus

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The dependence of the Edmonton Oilers on Connor McDavid comes into sharp focus

Posted By: jasabacklink November 2, 2023

Game Day Nine: Oilers vs Dallas Stars

To win, the Edmonton Oilers need Connor McDavid healthy and firing on all cylinders.

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This isn’t news to anyone, but it’s certainly come into focus again this past October of 2023, when McDavid wasn’t himself and the Oilers were weak, just two wins in eight games to start the 2023-24 season.

It’s not clear exactly when McDavid got banged up, but it’s evident he’s played hurt much or most of the month before finally missing two games to injury.

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He hasn’t bee himself, at least not the supernova of version of McDavid we’ve seen the last few years.

His numbers reflect this.

He’s got nine points in six games, 1.5 per game, which is his career average, but not the 153 points in 82 games and not the 1.87 points per game that he had last season.

We track Grade A shots at the Cult of Hockey through video review. McDavid had 3.1 Grade A shots per game last season. This year he’s at 1.5 Grade A shots per game.

We also track major contributions to Grade A shots, the shots, passes, screens and battles won that directly lead to Grade A shots.

Last year, McDavid made 6.9 major contributions to Grade A shots per game.

This year he’s at 5.3 per game, which is great work, but not a supernova level.

Indeed, only one Oiler is at that supernova level of attacking this year, Leon Draisaitl, with 6.6 major contributions to Grade A shots per game. Draisaitl is tied for 8th in NHL scoring.

What to make of it all?

It’s not fair to say that as McDavid goes, so go the Oilers. Hockey is a team game. All cylinders have to fire for this Oilers team to consistently win.

But it is fair to say that if McDavid isn’t going, neither are the Oilers. That message has been driven home this past month.

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