Connor McDavid thinks there’s more to his hot start than just skill. The 29-year-old got a chance to fully recover from a foot injury during the extended offseason, which he picked up in the playoffs against Anaheim. Edmonton got knocked out early that time, but now they’re bouncing back.
Playing regularly with Leon Draisaitl has been a game-changer too. Coach Mike Babcock mixed them up because some forwards were hurt, and it’s worked out. Babcock says they’re pushing hard with one line and surviving with the others for now.
McDavid and Draisaitl have teamed up before, but this season they’re locked in together at even strength. Draisaitl’s also thriving with Vasily Podkolzin on the wing, racking up 14 points in eight games. McDavid says playing with them is just fun – everyone knows where to go, they feed off each other, and it’s fast hockey.
Babcock’s getting the most out of the roster, and he’s loving McDavid’s plus-19 rating. It’s not about the goals; it’s about dominating games five-on-five. Podkolzin adds a great dimension, just like Zach Hyman would.
It’s all clicking early on for the Oilers.
