Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid candidly discuss the team’s early-season woes, revealing a shocking revelation. Despite their remarkable 16-game winning streak, the Oilers’ struggles at the beginning of the 2023-24 NHL season were undeniable.
New Coach Brings Anxiety and Belief
Speaking on the “32 Thoughts” podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, McDavid confesses that the arrival of a new coach sparked worry within the team. The change brought a sense of anxiety, but underlying belief never wavered.
“There’s a lot of things that went wrong,” he admitted. “You bring in a new coach, of course there was a sense of anxiety in the room. But I think with our group, there was always an underlying belief that was never shaken.”
View this post on Instagram
Frustration and Determination Amidst Struggles
Draisaitl echoes McDavid’s sentiments, shedding light on the team’s frustration and determination during their early struggles. Every game became an opportunity for redemption, but it felt as if they had lost the ability to play hockey.
“When you’re in a situation like that, you go into every game like ‘this is the game where we’re going to turn it around. This is the one,’” he emphasized. “And we go out and just lay an absolute egg… It felt like we couldn’t play hockey anymore, it was crazy.”
From Rock Bottom to Resurgence
Despite the tough times, both Draisaitl and McDavid remained confident in the team’s potential for improvement. The Oilers’ remarkable recovery turned their 5-12-1 record into a solid 29-15-1, securing third place in the Pacific Division. Their resilience reshaped the narrative of the season.
Peek into the Oilers’ Inner Dynamics
Through their candidness, McDavid and Draisaitl offer fans a glimpse into the team’s inner dynamics. Their openness reveals the challenges they faced and the unity that ultimately fueled their resurgence. The Oilers’ story took an unexpected turn, captivating fans worldwide.
Draisaitl’s Playful Eye on McDavid’s Win
In a lighthearted moment, Draisaitl playfully suggests sharing in McDavid’s recent $1-million windfall from winning the NHL All-Star game skills competition. Expressing his support for McDavid, Draisaitl jokingly claims his own “little cut” of the winnings.
“It was a good weekend, obviously happy for Connor,” Draisaitl quipped during Monday’s media availability. “Obviously put a lot of moral support in for him, so I should get my little cut, but we’ll figure that out later,” he added with a laugh.
Looking Beyond Individual Accolades
Despite his performance at the All-Star events, where he landed at the bottom in the precision shooting round, Draisaitl remains focused on the ultimate prize—the cup. As the Oilers prepare to face the Golden Knights, Draisaitl emphasizes the team’s unity and collective drive. Individual awards and prize money pale in comparison to the pursuit of team triumphs.
Editors’ Value: Insight into Struggles and Triumphs
In this exclusive interview, McDavid and Draisaitl take us behind the scenes of the Oilers’ journey, highlighting the challenges they faced and the determination that propelled them forward. Their words offer a unique perspective on the team’s struggles and ultimate resurgence. As fans, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rollercoaster ride that the Oilers have embarked upon this season.
With their surprising struggles and shared triumphs, Draisaitl and McDavid have captivated the hockey world. The Oilers’ story continues to unfold, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
