In a significant blow to the Edmonton Oilers, star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will not return for the team this week due to injuries, as announced by coach Kris Knoblauch. This absence comes at a crucial time as the Oilers prepare for key games in the NHL season.

Injury Details and Impact on the Team

McDavid sustained a lower-body injury during the second period of a 4-3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets on March 20. Draisaitl, on the other hand, suffered an undisclosed injury during a 7-1 win against the Utah Hockey Club on March 18. Both players missed the Oilers’ 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, marking the first time they have been unavailable in the same game due to injury since McDavid joined the Oilers in the 2015-16 season.

“They’re going to be still a while,” Knoblauch said after practice. “We’ll be playing a couple of games without them, at least. It’s good for those other guys that they know they’re going to get some more playing time.”

Coach Kris Knoblauch

Upcoming Games and Team Strategy

The Oilers are scheduled to host the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, visit the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, and then host the Calgary Flames on March 29. The absence of McDavid and Draisaitl, who are the second- and fourth-leading scorers in the NHL this season, respectively, will undoubtedly test the team’s depth and resilience.

Draisaitl has accumulated 101 points (49 goals, 52 assists) in 68 games, while McDavid has 90 points (26 goals, 64 assists) in 63 games. Draisaitl’s 18-game point streak, which included 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists), ended in the win against Utah, where he led all forwards with 22:23 of ice time.

Opportunities for Other Players

Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins highlighted the importance of stepping up in the absence of McDavid and Draisaitl. He emphasized the need for the team to play solid defense and build their offense from there.

“I think everybody feels it,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “I think it’s a chance for everybody to step up and play their game and maybe play a little bit of a different role for certain guys. Obviously, you lose two of the best players in the game, we need to step up and we need to make sure that we’re sharp.”

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Historical Context and Future Outlook

McDavid has missed seven games this season, including three due to an ankle injury and three due to a suspension for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland on January 18. Draisaitl missed his first game of the season against Winnipeg.

Coach Knoblauch remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of this situation, hoping it will help other players find their game and be ready for the playoffs.

“We hope in the long run this is good for us,” Knoblauch said. “Connor and Leon, do we ever want them out of our lineup? No. Probably in the short term it’s harder for us to win games and move up in the standings and we want to win as many games as possible, but collectively for us as a team, we want to be at our best for the playoffs. That’s the most important thing, and this little break without having those two, maybe that helps us with other guys finding their game and are able to step it up.”

Coach Kris Knoblauch

Power Play Dynamics

McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for 24 power-play goals this season (Draisaitl 15; McDavid nine). With their absence, other players like Jeff Skinner and Evan Bouchard will need to step up on the power play.

“Guys are on the power play and on in the last minute, whether we’re up or down a goal, hopefully they can build a little confidence and feel good about it,” Knoblauch said.

Coach Kris Knoblauch

Team Standings and Future Games

The Oilers are currently tied for second in the Pacific Division with the Los Angeles Kings, five points behind the first-place Vegas Golden Knights. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff position.

FAQ

How long will McDavid and Draisaitl be out?

Coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that both players will be out for a while, but did not provide a specific timeline.

Who will step up in their absence?

Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and others will need to take on more responsibilities and step up their game to fill the void left by McDavid and Draisaitl.

How will this affect the Oilers’ playoff chances?

The absence of McDavid and Draisaitl could impact the Oilers’ ability to win games in the short term, but Coach Knoblauch believes it could benefit the team in the long run by allowing other players to develop.

Did you know?

McDavid and Draisaitl have been instrumental in the Oilers’ success this season, with Draisaitl leading all forwards with 22:23 of ice time in the game against Utah.

Pro Tips

For teams facing injuries to key players, it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset and focus on team defense. Building offensive plays from a strong defensive foundation can help maintain competitiveness.

Reader Questions

What do you think about the Oilers’ chances without McDavid and Draisaitl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!