McDavid says Oilers need to be ready early as expectations grow for Edmonton ahead of new NHL season – Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers’ training camp won’t get underway until the end of this month, but several players have skated together in the Alberta capital. It’s something the team’s captain and top scorer last season bodes well for the mentality needed to build on the club’s success in 2022. NHL knockout round.
Several Edmonton Oilers players skated together at the Downtown Community Arena on September 12, 2022.
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“Last year was a step forward, but we had to get in here and start over.” Connor McDavid told reporters Monday after players set up scenarios at the Downtown Community Arena. “There are a lot of expectations this year – both outside and in the dressing room.
“Having everyone and being on the right path is important… you can see that commitment only with the people who show up.”
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers’ best playoff record in 16 years leads fans to believe the team will only get better
It’s been just over three months since the Oilers were knocked out of the knockout stages in the NHL Western Conference Finals by the Colorado Avalanche, who went on to win the Stanley Cup.
McDavid notes how Avalanche receives significant contributions from all types of players on their way to their championship.
“It needs everyone and it takes the whole season,” he said. “You look a little bit back at what Colorado has had… a lot of injuries.
“(Their team) went all out and they were clearly the last ones standing… That needed everyone.”
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McDavid notes that young prospects who may or may not be in the Oilers’ NHL club should be ready for the chance situations to arise, even as they start the season in the American Hockey League.
“Their chance could come at any moment,” said the 25-year-old centre-back, who leads the NHL with 123 points in the 2021-22 regular season, an individual best of his career so far.
Oilers Captain Connor McDavid speaks to reporters in Edmonton on September 12, 2022.
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Oilers’ forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said the way McDavid works “is great for younger people to watch and motivates older people.”
“Everybody’s attitude is, ‘We’re working from the beginning,’” he said. “The Connor type leads in that regard.”
Both Nugent-Hopkins and McDavid were asked Monday about the team’s best playoff record in 16 years last season and how it can avoid a slump like the team did after its impressive playoff streak last season. 2016-17. The Oilers missed the knockout stages for two consecutive seasons after that game.
“We have experience now,” says Nugent-Hopkins. “We learned from that.
“We just want to keep getting better and better… We can’t take anything for granted.”
Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins speaks to reporters in Edmonton on September 12, 2022.
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McDavid noted that last season’s playoffs only saw the Oilers win one more game than they did in 2017 since Colorado beat them in their series.
“We still have a long way to go,” he said, before adding the team that is progressing in every way. “We are building a culture in Edmonton here, and it often translates from year to year.
“It is the core employees who are setting the pace, setting the pace, and the direction every year.”
READ MORE: Goalkeeper Jack Campbell has high expectations with Edmonton Oilers
McDavid said he is pleased to see the club secure the return of key players before the 2022-23 season and he is impressed with the hard work and positive attitude of the team’s new goalkeeper Jack Campbell.
“Just a great guy,” he said. “He’s a guy you can cheer for to do well.
“(I) definitely like what they (Oilers management) did (with the squad), and now it’s over with the players.”
While not disclosing exact details, McDavid said he has been working this season to finish his game.
“Teams are used to what you’re doing, (so you) have to figure out different ways to produce,” he said.
Nugent-Hopkins noted that his shot rate last season was significantly lower than what he averaged during his NHL career, so he took his shot in the off-season. this.
“(This is) the shortest summer I’ve had so far, which is obviously a good thing,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton. “The buzz around the room is excitement and (players) eager to get back.
“We (a group of Oilers) as deeply as I have been part of… (We) want to continue to grow as a group.”
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