The Edmonton Oilers have not found their consistency this season, despite Connor McDavid being one of the league’s leading scorers and forward Leon Draisaitl following closely behind. We got another glimpse of their inconsistency on Thursday, as they hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Rogers Place.
What began as a routine home game turned into a test of their grit. They never got time to recollect themselves because the damage was done early.
Connor McDavid Takes Accountability After 6-2 Loss to Penguins
The Oilers never found their footing in a 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the opening minutes told the full story. Three goals against in 37 seconds erased any sense of structure and forced Edmonton into chase mode. In this league, chasing usually ends one way.
The Penguins struck early and without mercy. Anthony Mantha scored twice before the Oilers could settle, and Sidney Crosby added another moments later. Despite welcoming Leon Draisaitl back, Edmonton looked rattled, and the puck rarely stayed on the Oilers’ sticks long enough to build rhythm.
After the loss, Connor McDavid did not deflect blame. He has not scored a single point in his last two games, both of which the Oilers have lost. He pointed inward, making it clear that urgency begins with him.
“It starts with me, I think,” McDavid said. “The last two probably weren’t my best. I could be better. When I’m better, usually the whole group responds. That starts there. Sense of urgency starts in practice. I thought our puck play’s been really bad, not really connecting on passes. When you play that way, it looks slow and clunky. I thought we’ve looked that way for the last two games.”
Despite the rough stretch, McDavid’s larger body of work still defines Edmonton’s season. Through 52 games, he has 30 goals and 55 assists, for a total of 85 points. He plays close to 23 minutes per game and continues to set standards through his effort on the ice. This was also his first time going pointless in two straight games this season.
READ MORE: Connor McDavid’s Streak Crashes to a Halt With Oilers Caught Snoozing In Loss to NJ Devils
Goaltending was not the issue, according to the captain. Former Penguin Tristan Jarry faced his old team and stopped 16 of 22 shots. McDavid said Jarry saw quality chances and delivered timely saves, even as the score widened.
“Jarry played well,” McDavid reiterated. “Jarry played well. He got a lot of Grade-A looks against and made some big saves.”
The Oilers now sit at 25-19-8 and remain near the top of the Pacific Division. Their scoring punch keeps them dangerous, but slow starts continue to sabotage results. With Washington next, Edmonton’s response will matter as they look to rebound from the Penguins loss.
