Oilers' McDavid Calls for Urgency Amidst Struggles to Close Out Games
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has addressed the team's recurring struggles with closing out games, emphasizing the need for increased urgency and a more desperate approach to securing wins. Following a concerning trend of relinquishing leads, McDavid met with reporters on Friday, November 7th, conveying a message that balanced calm assessment with a clear call to action.
"Probably a little bit more desperate, a little more urgency to win games," McDavid stated, acknowledging the team's repeated inability to maintain advantages. The Oilers have found themselves in favorable positions in multiple games this season, only to see those leads evaporate in the later stages. McDavid admitted that the issue has reached a point where it demands immediate attention and a collective effort to rectify. "You're going to give up leads sometimes," he conceded, "But when does it get to a point where it's something to talk about? We've done it six times, so yeah, we've got to talk about it. It's a fair question and something we want to figure out".
While the Oilers' ability to dictate the flow of play in stretches has been evident, the crucial element of finishing games strongly has been lacking. McDavid recognized the team's success in "putting ourselves in pretty good spots" but bluntly stated, "We haven't found a way to close them out, and that's an area we've got to clean up".
Looking ahead, McDavid highlighted the upcoming matchup against the Colorado Avalanche as a significant test and a chance to reset the team's approach. He acknowledged the Avalanche's speed and skill, particularly among their younger players, while expressing confidence in the Oilers' own skating ability. "It's a great challenge for us," McDavid said. "They've got some special players over there that really move well, and you see the young guys — they buzz around pretty good. We can skate too, but we've got to start using it".
McDavid believes the Oilers can capitalize on their speed by intensifying their forecheck, regaining possession of the puck, and improving their transitions through the neutral zone. He identified the neutral zone as a "real problem" and emphasized the need to break the puck out more effectively and move it up the ice with greater efficiency.
The Oilers' early-season struggles, which have carried over from October into November, have clearly tested McDavid's patience. The team's inability to hold two-goal leads has become a concerning trend, prompting McDavid and defenseman Mattias Ekholm to call for more desperation and urgency in their play. The Oilers need to rediscover the late-season form that has typically been a hallmark of their game, especially as they face tough opponents like the Avalanche. This "measuring-stick" game will require them to put aside their early-season struggles and replicate the intensity they displayed in May.
As the Oilers seek to shake off their early-season doldrums, McDavid's message serves as a clear reminder of the urgency required to turn their promising starts into consistent victories. The team's ability to respond to this call and translate it into tangible results on the ice will be crucial in shaping their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
