EDMONTON — For years, the Edmonton Oilers have been characterized by a strong reliance on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This dependence sometimes left other forwards in a spectator role during crucial moments.
When games were on the line, and a goal was desperately needed, these players often found themselves on the bench, almost as if watching a show of McDavid and Draisaitl carrying the team.
However, last Saturday was different. For only the third time in their careers, both McDavid and Draisaitl were absent from the same game. This situation became a proving ground for the rest of the team, especially for those who had previously felt a lack of opportunity to contribute significantly beyond the star players.
The Oilers rose to the occasion, demonstrating their depth by scoring five goals, including two power-play goals, to secure a 5-4 win against the Seattle Kraken.
“Whether it was Skinner or Nugent-Hopkins scoring, or the fourth line providing quality shifts, everyone in the lineup contributed,” noted defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who wore an `A` in the absence of the usual team leaders.
“It was great to see players who don`t typically get top minutes or play in key situations step up and perform well tonight.”
Tristan Blackwood