The Olympic stage may not have delivered the golden ending Connor McDavid and Team Canada hoped for, but it's time for the Edmonton Oilers to refocus. After Canada’s narrow 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the Milano Cortina 2026 gold-medal game, emotions were palpable at Sunday’s practice. McDavid, who set an Olympic record with 13 points in just five games, showcased his usual brilliance, yet the elusive gold mirrored Edmonton’s past Stanley Cup challenges.
Despite the silver medal, McDavid’s teammates and coaches couldn’t be prouder of his performance. Adam Henrique, a veteran of international play himself, expressed the collective heartache and admiration for McDavid.
"Watching your teammates compete for gold is nerve-racking," Henrique shared. "Your heart breaks for him, but the world saw his significance to our team."
Even Trent Frederic, who watched with a personal connection, wished for a different overtime format but was relieved McDavid returned unscathed. "Connor had a fantastic tournament," Frederic noted. "We're proud of him, and it's great he stayed healthy."
As McDavid and Leon Draisaitl prepare to reunite with the Oilers for their California road trip, Coach Kris Knoblauch is eager to integrate them back into the lineup. "Connor's flight is tomorrow, and we'll discuss when he joins the team," Knoblauch mentioned.
Meanwhile, Adam Henrique is gearing up for his return after recovering from an injury. Coach Knoblauch is optimistic about Henrique’s readiness for the upcoming game against the Ducks.
"The timing of the break was beneficial," Henrique said. "It allowed me to recover and get back into form."
The Oilers have been using the Olympic break to refine their strategies, with players like Henrique focusing on honing their skills. "It's been a chance to reset and regroup," Henrique explained. "We’re preparing for a sprint to the finish."
Despite missing key players, Knoblauch praised the team’s focus during practice. "We worked on our defensive structure and the guys were really attentive," he said. "It was a productive week."
However, the team faces a setback with Kasperi Kapanen’s new injury. After showing promise with recent performances, Kapanen’s absence in the first two games against Anaheim and Los Angeles is a blow.
"It’s a different injury than before," Knoblauch clarified. "We’re hopeful for a return later in the week."
As the Oilers gear up for the final stretch of the season, the focus remains on building momentum and pushing for a Pacific Division title. With McDavid and Draisaitl back in the fold, and Henrique ready to contribute, the Oilers are poised for an exciting finish.