McDavid waiting to break loose
Oilers star has been held in check by Anaheim, but he remains a factor in series
EDMONTON — If you’re the Anaheim Ducks and coach Randy Carlyle, who have been tasked with trying to slap the handcuffs on Connor McDavid, they might be muttering to themselves down 2-0 in the series to the Edmonton Oilers with McDavid only managing only a single assist.
That’s bad news and maybe more bad news because McDavid looked much more dangerous during the 23 minutes he played in Game 2, especially in the first half of the contest when Ducks goaltender John Gibson stabbed a semi-breakaway shot with his glove.
McDavid fed Patrick Maroon for a gold-plated chance and he was all alone on a power play deke but Gibson held strong.
Also, he set up Adam Larsson very early in the game with a juke ’n jive, but the defenceman shot wide on Gibson.
McDavid also drew a tripping call on Josh Manson on a burst between two defencemen.
Carlyle has thrown out Ryan Kesler shift after shift against the Oilers captain, who’s also seen his share of Ryan Getzlaf. They’ve done a good job, but if he’s only got the one assist, the law of averages says a guy who had 30 multiple-point games during regular season will eventually bust loose in this series.
“He’s drawn numerous penalties and we’ve only played two games,” said Oilers coach Todd McLellan. “He has taxed the other teams checking forwards and put their D under stress. I think he’s opened up ice for his teammates who’ve taken advantage and his will to fight through it has rubbed off on our group.
“I think he’s doing very good job dealing with players and the checking and probably the biggest blanket is all of you (media) guys.”
McDavid did have more room in Game 2 and, at home in Games 3 and 4 — when the Oilers have last line change — maybe McLellan can get him away from Kesler.
“He’s adapting and adjusting to it and figuring out ways,” he said.
McDavid’s linemate Leon Draisaitl, who didn’t score against the Ducks in Game 2 for the first time in seven games against them this season, liked what he saw of McDavid.
“He was really good. He’s our leader and maybe the pucks aren’t going in for him, but we have other guys stepping up,” he said. “We’re a team. Like I said, he’s been really good away from the puck even though he’s not putting up the points he usually is. He’s still our best player.
“All the attention is on Connor and that’s how it should be because he’s one of the best players in the world and he’s dangerous. I would do it, too (check him hard), if I was playing against him. I don’t know if there’s more room or not, but we just try and take advantage.”