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"Tough to make it work right away": Connor McDavid assesses Oilers' starstudded Draisailt-Arvidsson-Skinner line
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared his thoughts on the newly formed second line during Monday's 3-2 (SO) preseason win against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, the Oilers finally debuted their highly anticipated trio of Leon Draisaitl, Viktor Arvidsson, and Jeff Skinner, which aims to enhance the team's offensive balance and allow McDavid to lead the top line.
In the first shift together, the new line showed some flashes of chemistry by creating solid scoring chances. However, as the game went on, it was visible they were still adjusting to one another, particularly during even-strength play.
Connor McDavid said (1:20 onwards):
"I thought, you know, they made some things happen, made some good plays. It's tough when you're supposed to make it work right away, and there's supposed to be fireworks right away. You feel that pressure, and, um, it just takes a little bit of time to get used to. But they’re all three such good players that, you know, they'll get it going."
The new line of Draisaitl, Skinner, and Arvidsson finished with one combined point, an assist by Arvidsson. The Swede also had a team-high four shots on goal.
The trio is expected to improve over time as they gain more experience playing together. As the season progresses, their chemistry will likely develop, allowing them to work more effectively as a unit.
This combination could be the key the Oilers have been looking for to provide better support for Draisaitl on the wings. With each game, they will have more opportunities to understand each other's playing style and tendencies, which should lead to more scoring chances.
Connor McDavid optimistic about team's potential for improvement
After a goalless first period, Arshdeep Bains broke the deadlock, giving the Canucks a 1-0 lead on the powerplay at 5:53 of the second period.
Goals from Corey Perry and Ben Gleason extended the Oilers' lead to 2-1 before Nate Smith equalized for Vancouver, forcing a shootout. Leon Draisaitl scored the winner as his goal in the shootout secured a 3-2 win for the Oilers.
Connor McDavid picked up two assists in the matchup. After the game, McDavid acknowledged the team's performance and expressed optimism for improvement in the upcoming games.
"I feel like there are still some things we want to iron out as a group and I think everybody has another level they can get to," McDavid said. "Hopefully, we'll get there this week."
Connor McDavid and the Oilers will next face the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday before wrapping up their preseason against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.
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