A remarkable stat emerged after the Edmonton Oilers' recent loss, highlighting just how much the team leans on Connor McDavid. While it makes sense to rely on such a superstar, it can also become a bit of a crutch.
This season, the Oilers have played 12 games where McDavid hasn't registered a point, and they've lost all of them-10 in regulation and two in overtime. When McDavid does get on the scoresheet, the Oilers boast a 34-17-7 record, with 75 of their 77 points coming from those 58 games.
It’s clear why this happens. McDavid is constantly on the ice during scoring opportunities, so if he’s not contributing, it’s often a sign of trouble for the team’s overall performance.
With Leon Draisaitl sidelined due to injury, the spotlight on McDavid intensifies. That's one less scoring threat available when McDavid takes a breather, making his presence even more crucial.
However, this dependency poses a problem. Even the best player in the world can have an off night. If the Oilers can't find a way to succeed without McDavid's contributions, they risk facing a crucial game where their lack of depth becomes a major issue.
The silver lining? McDavid almost always delivers. But for the Oilers to truly thrive, they need to find ways to support him, ensuring the weight of the team's success doesn't rest solely on his shoulders.