Connor McDavid inspires hope in return to Oilers' lineup
The kid's alright.
Connor McDavid made his return to the Edmonton Oilers' lineup after 37 games and three long months, making an immediate impact in their 5-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets while infusing renewed optimism into the hometown crowd.
Related: Connor McDavid scores stunner in return to Oilers' lineup
Playing in only his 14th game as a pro and slotted on a line with Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Eberle, McDavid shook off any rust accrued while sidelined with a broken clavicle, posting the kind of line that Oilers fans should get used to seeing for, oh, the next 20 years in a perfect world.
| Goals | Assists | Points | Shots | Faceoff % | Ice Time | Corsi % (All situations) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 57 | 16:43 | 57.14 |
Sure, the performance came against the team with the fewest points in the NHL and a goalie who's made just 13 appearances. While the games missed limit his overall production and ability to win the Calder Trophy (or does it?), it's evident he's one of, if not the top rookie in the league.
NHL rookies points per game leaders:
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) February 3, 2016
1. McDavid: 1.07
2. Panarin: .87
3. Gostisbehere: .77
4. Larkin: .69
5. Eichel: .68
Two assists for McDavid tonight. He has nine now on the season. More than Sam Reinhart, Robby Fabbri and equals Sam Bennett. Game No. 14.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) February 3, 2016
The win gives the Oilers a record of 20-26-5 - good for 45 points and seventh place in the Pacific Division. The eight-point gap between them and the third-place Arizona Coyotes may be too wide to make up in 31 games, especially with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the shelf.
However, McDavid's performance was enough to inspire the Edmonton crowd to chant his name following his second assist of the game, and for good reason.
"The fan support is unbelievable." pic.twitter.com/CrY3nAiIeS
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 3, 2016
That's because it won't be Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall, Nail Yakupov, Todd McLellan, Peter Chiarelli, nor - dare we suggest it - Auston Matthews, who finally leads the Oilers back to relevance.
No, it'll be McDavid, the team's soon-to-be captain, and the player who appears to be closest to becoming the NHL's next truly great superstar.