"What's the difference": Connor McDavid baffled by media questioning malicious intent by Blue Jackets

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 05, 2024 05:54 GMT

Connor McDavid skated with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday for the first time since injuring his ankle. The injury happened on Oct. 28 when he tripped over Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski’s stick and hit the boards. Some reporters asked if McDavid thought the play was intentional, which he firmly dismissed.

When asked if there was intent, the reporter put forth a confusing question:

"Connor, did you trip on a stick, or did you get tripped by a stick?"

To which McDavid said:

“What’s the difference?" He added after futher clarification. "No, no, no, no. I mean, is it a two-minute penalty? Probably, but it’s just a hockey play. Nothing intentional.”

Werenski previously agreed in a statement to the media:

"There was nothing intentional at all. It's a non-issue... I was just reaching for the puck and might have nicked him."

McDavid is working closely with the medical staff on his recovery. When asked about his return, he said:

"Ultimately, it is my body, and I'm always going to have a say in how things go. I’ve been here long enough and gone through enough to know you’ve got to listen to everybody (team doctors, staff), listen to your body, and make the best call with all that information."

Initially, McDavid was expected to miss 2-3 weeks, but the team is now taking things day by day. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was happy to see McDavid on the ice but has not confirmed a return date.

McDavid praised the Oilers’ medical team for supporting his approach.

“I’m not just sitting around waiting for it to feel better,” he said, per NHL.com. “I’m doing a lot of different things.”

New Jersey Devils shut out Connor McDavid and Edmonton Oilers 3-0

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 on Monday. Jake Allen played very well in goal, stopping 31 shots. This shutout was his second this season and the 26th of his NHL career.

The Devils’ record improved to 8-5-2 after their loss to the Calgary Flames. Stefan Noesen scored the first goal in the first period. Jesper Bratt then added a power-play goal to make it 2-0. In the third period, Timo Meier scored on a breakaway.

The Oilers will play the Vegas Golden Knights next on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MST. The Oilers currently have a record of six wins, six losses and one overtime loss, with a home record of two wins, four losses and one overtime loss.