Connor McDavid kept his message simple after the Edmonton Oilers secured a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Speaking with NHL reporter Gene Principe, the captain addressed life without Leon Draisaitl, who remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Advertisement
McDavid led from the front on Saturday night. He scored once and added two assists to regain the NHL scoring lead. Zach Hyman had a goal and an assist, while Jack Roslovic and Matt Savoie also scored. The result gave Edmonton three straight wins after a difficult stretch earlier this season.
MORE: Oilers’ $38.5M forward rivals Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon in scoring
When asked about how everyone has stepped up in Draisaitl’s absence, McDavid made one thing clear.
“You’re never going to replace a guy like that,” McDavid said. “He’s a special guy, but as you said, we need it this time of year. We need to find ways to get wins in a weird kind of division here. We’ve got to punch our ticket to the dance. Everybody’s stepping up, as you said.”
Advertisement
MDavid’s words reflected the reality inside the locker room. Draisaitl’s absence leaves a major gap, but the Oilers continue to push in a tight Pacific Division race.
Meanwhile, the team’s approach has shifted in recent games. Edmonton is now 27-5-5 when scoring first, showing better control in games. Still, the challenge remains with Draisaitl expected to miss the rest of the regular season.
Earlier this month, after Draisaitl’s injury, McDavid had talked about the void, but he knew the way forward. Now we are seeing the team implement that strategy.
“You don’t fill the void,” McDavid said, via NHL. “… [but] we need leaders this time of year, and we need our group to be lively and energetic, and that’s with or without him in the lineup.”
Draisaitl’s impact is huge, and the team is definitely feeling it. Before the injury, he had 97 points in 65 games. Still, they will have to secure a playoff spot in his absence.
Advertisement
With the playoffs nearing, the Oilers have to stay focused on results, and McDavid’s message is clear. Keep winning and stay in the race.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Elite Eight TV schedule, two Final Four spots remaining
MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates make shocking decision on lineup after MLB Opening Day loss
NFL: Under the radar NFL free agent signing keeps NFC contender potent… and dangerous
SPORTS MEDIA: Pennsylvania passes huge alcohol law to celebrate FIFA and America250
ENTERTAINMENT: Savannah Guthrie ‘Today’ show return date announced
VIRAL: NBA, NFL players rocked by catfish scammer posing as adult film star