If the Edmonton Oilers want to move up in the standings, they will need performances from Connor McDavid like the one he delivered in his team’s win against the New York Islanders on Monday night at Rogers Place.
The captain of the Alberta team ended a three-game pointless drought by collecting a goal and an assist. His third goal of the season also ended an eight-game shutout streak, the second-longest of his career for a No. 97 player, according to the NHL.com website.
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“It’s nice to see the puck go in the net,” he admitted after the 4-1 triumph. “Offensive players obviously like to score goals and I’m no different.”
McDavid beat goaltender Ilya Sorokin midway through the third period while his team was playing with the man advantage, one of the Alberta club’s three successes in the third period.
“That’s all we’ve been missing,” the centre-back added. Obviously the special teams were good, but we lacked that production in the third period. That’s something we’ve been missing, and Stuart (Skinner, Oilers goaltender) played really well. He closed the door when we needed it.”
The Ontarian now has three goals and 12 points in 12 games in the 2023-2024 season. Meanwhile, the Oilers are in seventh place in the Pacific Division with a 4-9-1 record in 14 games.
Winning beginnings
Barely arriving on duty the day before, Kris Knoblauch recorded his first win as the team’s new driver. He debuted in this position in the NHL.
“Obviously it was very exciting for him,” the captain said. His first win in the NHL. It’s been a long journey for him, he’s well deserved.”
The center played under the 45-year-old for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Junior League.
Edmonton will play their next game on Wednesday night when they host the Seattle Kraken.
