This week was a tragic week in Oil Country. Forget the nail bitter loss against Pittsburgh or the dominant win against Philadelphia.
Connor McDavid was injured. Connor McDavid Broke his Clavicle. Connor McDavid needed Surgery.
Connor McDavid is out for “months”.
My first Oilers game I go to for the season, the first one with my brother and father ever and that happens. There was no bigger story in hockey than McDavid’s injury. On Thursday there were no less than 14 different items on TSN.ca about the broken bone.
Luckily for Oilers fans, McDavid did not suffer any tissue injuries. Which is great because those could have long term impact on his play. From what I’ve gathered, McDavid will be just as strong as he was before. That’s the great thing about bones, they heal reletively well.
But hey, since he now has metal plates in him can we call him….Cyborg McDavid?
*crickets*
Edmonton Oilers Three Stars of the Week.
With two games on the docket, there’s three players that stood out.
3. Oscar Klefbom
Wow. Klefbom was our best defenseman by a long shot on Friday night against Pittsburgh. He had his first goal of the season with a clapper from the point. He looked extremely calm, cool and collected.
2. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Very quietly, Nugent-Hopkins is having a strong season. He’s third in team scoring with 11 points in 14 games, behind McDavid and Hall. He was especially crafty and dangerous against the Flyers by potting in two goals in the game. Recently moved to the second line, but he is not fazed by it.
1. Taylor Hall
Taylor Hall is making a lot of people eat some major crow this season. Forget his “character” problems or that he causes “too many” turnovers. Hall was a beast against Philadelphia by posting a goal and two assists. His recent point streak was snapped against Pittsburgh in a low scoring affair, but Hall is among the league leaders in shots right now. He’s clearly the best player on the team.
Edmonton Oilers Rumors
Yes! There was a rumor out there concerning Mark Fayne. BLH had a post of possible trade possibilities for Fayne, who was a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game. I wrote on Oilonwhyte.com about a specific rumor of Fayne for Scott Hartnell of Columbus.
Also from Bob McKenzie about Nikita Nikitin, there’s some interest, specifically from the Colorado Avalanche.
Oh what a wonderful day that would be.
Around the League
- Connor McDavid’s Rookie Card was released this week. Let the madness commence!
- Don Cherry thinks McDavid’s injury was no accident.
- Zach Parise is out week to week with an MCL sprain
- Alex Ovechkin is very close to breaking the all time Russian NHL Goal record
- Ryan Miller’s homecoming in Buffalo was spoiled in a defeat
- Patrick Marleau is on the trading block.
- Patrick Kane will NOT face charges in his sexual assault case.
- Mike Babcock wants bigger nets
Highlights
Jonathan Toews fought Adam Henrique.
There were some awesome 3v3 OT moments.
Ovechkin had a sweet shootout goal
Weird goal: Pavelec gets stick stuck in net, Wayne Simmonds scores
Upcoming this week:
Yikes. It’s a doozy this week.
Tonight the Oilers visit the Madhouse on Madison and face the Chicago Blackhawks.
Wednesday the Oilers face the Ducks who are getting hot.
Thursday they visit the Coyotes
Saturday they visit the always tough Los Angles Kings.
That’s this week’s round up, follow me on Twitter and have yourselves a lovely week!
