Despite a loss on Monday night, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid continues to lead his franchise in its best playoff run since 2006. McDavid was named captain at age 19, becoming the youngest NHL captain in history. His leadership impact, especially in this postseason, has been undeniable for the Oilers. The team often follows his lead, and when McDavid performs well, the rest of the team follows suit. However, could this overreliance on McDavid backfire for the Edmonton Oilers?
In the six postseason losses, McDavid’s numbers have been lackluster. With only one goal, three assists, and a -6 plus/minus, his off nights usually result in defeat. On the other hand, in the nine games the Oilers have won, McDavid has put up three goals, 18 assists, and a +11 plus/minus. It’s evident how much the team relies on him and fellow assistant captain Leon Draisaitl to contribute to their success.
To avoid overreliance on McDavid, the Oilers must be able to win games without his direct influence. When McDavid was held off the scoresheet during the regular season, the Oilers struggled to secure victories. Edmonton cannot afford to depend solely on one player for their success.
What Can the Oilers do to Win Games Without McDavid?
Due to the heavy burden placed on McDavid with the ‘follow the leader’ approach, fatigue becomes a genuine concern. Edmonton needs to reduce McDavid’s ice time while still maintaining winning performances, which underscores the importance of team depth. Recent contributions from the Oilers’ depth players have highlighted their ability to step up when McDavid isn’t at his best.
Although the Oilers have made it to the Western Conference Finals with the ‘follow the leader’ mentality, questions about its sustainability linger. Playoff losses have often correlated with McDavid’s struggles to produce offensively. This raises the critical question of whether the Oilers can thrive without McDavid’s dominant presence.
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