The information highway that is the internet and social media can be a brilliant tool when used correctly. Problems only arise when the need to release information outweighs the ability to hold off and ensure the information you are releasing is correct.
As a blogger here on HockeyBuzz, my job is to inform and entertain, something I think I do a fine job of. I write about the Oilers from as critical view as I can. I'm not a fan so my opinions from the team aren't coming through rose (or copper and blue) coloured glasses.
All that may seem like unnecessary preamble but bear with me one more moment I am making a point here.
Yesterday during practice, Connor McDavid left the ice after powerplay drills and did not return. This was after the previous game where McDavid went hard into the boards. While this was going on, members of MSM were speaking about how this was always the plan for that practice and that everything was fine.
Today we discovered things are not fine as McDavid will be out the next 2-3 weeks with a quad injury.
I don't expect the organization to be 100% open with what they share but I would honestly prefer radio silence or a simple "we do not know" from members of the media as opposed to either downright lies or wild assumptions.
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Holland spoke to the media today and while he gave that 2-3 week timetable for McDavid, he also stated they would check with him in a week and re-evaluate. If Connor can will his body to heal a completely torn MCL, he should be able to get over a quad injury easily.
This comes at the worst possible time for Edmonton. Less than 3 weeks from now is the trade deadline and the Oilers are in the middle of a contentious playoff battle with most of the Western Conference. Struggling without their captain and going on a 4 or 5 game losing skid over the next couple weeks would be a massive blow to their chances.
This needs to speed up Holland's timetable on adding to this roster. Edmonton should be buying and adding a third line centre who can play short term in the top 6 or providing the team another top 6 winger to bring more scoring can help limit how devastating this injury could be.
Every player on that roster needs to play their best hockey right now and do whatever they can so that McDavid doesn't come back to a mess he will have to try and clean up. That will start tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.
LINEUP
- I will post the lineups later. Needless to say there are going to be some big changes tonight.
3 KEYS TO VICTORY
1.) It Starts With Draisaitl - Since the end of December we have answered the question whether or not Leon Draisaitl can drive a line without Connor McDavid. The answer is an emphatic YES. Since December 31st, Draisaitl has played in 14 games and gone 9-15-24 in that time. Leon leads the Oilers and the league in scoring with 85 points. He needs to be their best player every night.
2.) Secondary Needs To Pick Up The Slack - One of the reasons January was such a good month for this team was that the secondary scoring was coming up huge. In the Oilers last 3 games those same players haven't done enough. Chiasson and Gagner both scored goals but that came from their time on the PP with McDavid or time in the top 6. Guys like Sheahan, Archibald, and Haas need to put up points in their limited minutes.
3.) Never Out Of It - The Hawks have blown leads in 3 of their last 4. They were up 2-0 against the Jets before losing 5-2, 1-0 against Boston before losing in OT, and while they ended up winning in the shootout against the Coyotes, they did blow a 2-0 lead. The plan of course shouldn't be to come from behind but if Edmonton does fall behind 1-0 they need to push back hard as this opponent has shown to fold under pressure.
FILM OF THE DAY
McDavid being out to injury is a huge loss for the team. While Connor might seem superhuman at times like any mortal he does have a weakness. For those familiar with Greek mythology, Achilles was a man who was thought to be invincible but he did have a weakness and everyone should know what an Achilles heel is. Enjoy this scene from the movie Troy
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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