As the NHL playoffs begin, the Edmonton Oilers are getting ready to face the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round. But there’s a lot of talk about injuries on the team, especially with Mattias Ekholm likely missing the first few games. Even so, Oilers captain Connor McDavid has made it clear — the team is not in trouble.
McDavid: “We’re Ready to Roll”
Speaking to reporters, McDavid dismissed the idea that the Oilers are entering the playoffs badly injured or unprepared. He strongly believes that the team is in good shape and ready for another strong playoff run.
“We have this like aura about us that we’re the walking wounded, but we’re just fine,” McDavid said. “Everybody’s going to be ready to roll. I don’t like this whole notion that we’re the walking wounded here. We’re ready to roll.”
These words came just a few days after head coach Kris Knoblauch gave a detailed injury update, which made it sound like the Oilers might not be playing with their best lineup. But McDavid’s comments paint a more hopeful picture.
Oilers Face Injury Concerns, But Team Remains Confident
It’s true that injuries have hit the Oilers at a difficult time. Mattias Ekholm may not be available for the start of the playoffs. McDavid himself missed eight games recently due to an undisclosed injury. Other important players like Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jake Walman, Troy Stecher, and Trent Frederic are also dealing with injuries or soreness.
However, McDavid doesn’t see this as a problem — in fact, he sees it as a possible advantage. Resting key players before the playoffs could actually help the team in the long run.
“Maybe it’s good. Everyone’s going to be rested,” said McDavid. “Would it have been nice to get some games with a full lineup? Sure, but like I said, not everything is as it seems.”
He also mentioned that he personally feels much better now than he did before his injury break, saying, “I feel night and day better since the injury. I’m sure Leon’s going to feel the same way.”
A Confident Team with a Strong Past
Even though some think the Oilers are underdogs this year, it’s important to remember that they have beaten the Kings in the past three playoffs. This gives them both confidence and experience going into this new series.
McDavid made it clear: “I just don’t like the theory that people are counting us out. We’re a great team here. Bumps and bruises along the way. We’re a great team when we’re healthy. And we are healthy.”
So, while some fans and experts may doubt the Oilers because of injuries, the players themselves believe they are ready. With McDavid healthy and motivated, and Draisaitl likely feeling better soon, the Oilers may once again prove that they are one of the toughest teams to face in the playoffs.
