Tonight the Oilers will face off against another struggling Pacific team in the Anaheim Ducks, but they will be doing so without their captain Connor McDavid. During the game against the Islanders, McDavid made contact to the head of Nick Leddy, resulting in a penalty on the play. There was some questions after on whether or not McDavid would see a fine or suspension from the play. He was given a two game suspension.
The league has been trying to make a statement this year on how they will no longer tolerate headshots; I have no issues with that... unfortunately their statement continues to be wildly inconsistent.
The message from the league appears to be, "see how serious we are about headshots. we will give the best player in the league a two game suspension." Sometime in the next couple months, a headshot will occur that will get a lesser penalty than what McDavid received. McDavid himself was not impressed with how the sitation was handled.
“I though I raised some good points about the play,… But I think a lot of times, they already have their minds made up, they don’t really care what you have to say.…
Bob Nicholson reflected McDavid's comments. It is unclear whether or not the Oilers will try and appeal the suspension. Either way the Oilers will be without their best player tonight. LINEUP
OILERS
RNH-Draisaitl-Kassian Rieder-Cave-Chiasson Lucic-Brodziak-Currie Gagner-Malone-Rattie
Klefbom-Larsson Nurse-Russell Sekera-Benning
Koskinen
DUCKS
Rakell – Getzlaf – Perry Jones – Henrique – Terry Shore – Grant – Silfverberg Ritchie – Kesler – Rowney
Lindholm – Manson Fowler – Del Zotto Megna – Montour
Boyle 4 KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Leon's Line. Last time McDavid was out of the lineup due to illness, Draisaitl centred the top line and had two primary assists on the night. Draisaitl is having a career year and it is moments like this that should help fans to remember that Leon is an elite player with out without McDavid. 2) Cave On The Second Line. Colby Cave is a fringe NHLer at best. He has started looking more comfortable on the fourth line but tonight he will have the responsibility to produce. He will be paired with a linemate who hasn't scored since early January and another who is still looking for his first goal.
3) Sekera Finding His Legs. Sekera has been unnoticeable in his first two games with the Oilers and that is the best thing fans can ask for. Sekera has been solid in a third pairing role and has looked better than he did at any point last season. Slowly as the season continues, Andrej will be given more responsibilities.
4) Offensive Woes. Things are rough in Edmonton but the Ducks have more scoring woes than Edmonton. Their highest scorer, Ryan Getzlaf would be fourth on the Oilers. The Oilers should have the goal advantage tonight, even without Connor McDavid.