Edmonton Oilers need Connor McDavid's 'masterclass'

The Edmonton Oilers started the 2024/25 season with an extremely poor 0-3-0 record and were defeated 15-3. Some of the biggest names in the NHL usually make the Oilers so deadly, but they had a quiet start to the year.

Connor McDavid has yet to score a goal and Leon Draisaitl has just one point in three games. There's no panic in Edmonton yet, but it will be up to the Oilers' superstars to turn things around.

TSN's Bryan Hayes believes Oilers fans should be excited for the next few weeks as this slow start should spark an extremely hot streak from McDavid.

“I look at the big guys,” Hayes said. “If you’re a hockey fan, you’re about to get a McDavid masterclass.”

McDavid is by far the most talented player in the NHL and his numbers show that year after year. McDavid is approaching the 1,000-point mark in fewer than 700 games played and has surpassed the 100-point mark in seven of his first nine seasons.

The only years he didn't surpass the 100-point mark were his rookie season, where he played in just 45 games due to injury, and the COVID-shortened 2019–20 season. However, he still had 97 points in 64 games that year.

At some point the light switch will definitely be flipped for McDavid. If that happens, the rest of the NHL will be notified as the game's best player takes over in Edmonton.

“He’s the best player in the world,” Hayes said. “He’s going to freak out. And anyone who has to face this advice should take care of themselves. He’s in for a four- or five-point night.”

There are other issues plaguing the Oilers beyond the Stars' lack of offense, such as defense and goaltending. Hayes believes a move or two on the blue line will open new doors for the Oilers.

Behind the defense, Hayes believes Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner could be Team Canada's goaltender for the four-nation clash. He needs to shake off this early rust if he wants to lead Canada or even make the team.

The Oilers are not panicking at this early point in the season. They had a terrible start to last year and finally found a rhythm. Something similar is expected this year and all eyes will be on McDavid. He is expected to once again look like the best player in the world and perform at an otherworldly level.

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