Rarely in recent years have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had so little impact on Edmonton Oilers games, and for the two main stakeholders this is questionable.
McDavid hasn’t looked quite the same since suffering the injury in late October, having been held off the scoresheet five times in the last eight games. Things are looking up for Draisaitl, who has 21 points in 16 games, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling helpless this season.
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“We certainly do not produce according to our standards. Things seem to be more difficult than usual and it’s taking its toll. You know, we’re human beings and we take this seriously. I’m working on getting back to my level of play as soon as possible,” Draisaitl told Sportsnet on Monday.
“It has never happened that we both feel this way,” added the German.
The 28-year-old centre-back has just six goals on his record and has surpassed the 50 mark in the last two campaigns. As for McDavid, he is fifth in scoring on the Oilers. It is a scenario that no one would have dared to predict at the beginning of the campaign.
“Look, we’ve been doing this for a very long time. We will return to our level, said the captain. We never stop believing in it, even if some do. We believe, not only in ourselves, but in every member of our group.”
Edmonton is second to last in the Pacific Division with just five wins. The Oilers visit the Florida Panthers on Monday night.
