Oilers embracing adversity in McDavid's absence: 'It's kind of what we do'

The Edmonton Oilers refused to hit the panic button when captain Connor McDavid was ruled out for two-to-three weeks with an ankle injury, and their measured approach has resulted in back-to-back wins.

"It's kind of what we do now," goaltender Stuart Skinner told Sportsnet's Mark Spector. "When our backs are against the wall, or whenever we face some sort of adversity, we just come out stronger, come up better. That's the kind of group that we've got in here."

The Oilers erased a disastrous 3-9-1 start to the season last year and finished the campaign with 104 points. Edmonton then forced Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final after starting the series versus the Florida Panthers with three consecutive losses.

Edmonton was 4-6-1 this season after McDavid was injured early in an ugly loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the team has gotten contributions from up and down the lineup to stay afloat without its leader.

"We have a good team, even without Connor," forward Zach Hyman said. "The goal is, when he joins us again, we are a better team than when he left us."

Leon Draisaitl has led the way with three points in each game without McDavid, but veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm was quick to point out everyone's contributions.

"When you lose the best player in the world, you're going to have to have the collective - especially the forward group - step up," he said. "Our defense also has, and the goaltending department has done their job. Hopefully, when the time comes, and he's back in the lineup, these guys are full throttle ahead, and we don't look back."

McDavid participated in Edmonton's optional practice Monday, according to team reporter Bob Stauffer, but a return date still isn't clear.

The Oilers are currently fourth in the Pacific Division, four points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for top spot. Edmonton has a trio of difficult opponents this week, with games against the New Jersey Devils, Golden Knights, and Vancouver Canucks.

Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.