Edmonton Oilers Player Power Rankings: March Update
As the NHL season heats up, we're diving into the Edmonton Oilers' player power rankings, showcasing who’s making waves on the ice. Twice a month, we evaluate the players based on their recent contributions, stats, and those intangible qualities that make hockey so captivating. Here’s the latest rundown:
Connor McDavid: The Driving Force
The Oilers' success this season hinges on the brilliance of Connor McDavid. Leading the NHL scoring race for most of the season, McDavid faced a fierce challenge from Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov, with both players now tied at the top as the season nears its end.
The big question is, can McDavid maintain his momentum after a grueling all-star break, especially following another intense best-on-best tournament? If recent performances are any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.
McDavid has tallied 25 points in 15 games since the break, maintaining a blistering 1.67 points-per-game pace, just a tick above his pre-Olympics rate. His career average of 1.53 points per game further underscores his consistency and excellence.
This season, McDavid has already surpassed the 120-point mark, solidifying his place at the top of our rankings.
Shuffling the Deck: Draisaitl’s Absence
For the first time this season, someone other than Leon Draisaitl holds the second spot. Draisaitl is sidelined with a lower-body injury after a hard hit from Nashville’s Ozzy Wiesblatt. This setback has opened the door for others to step up.
Zach Hyman: Rising to the Occasion
Enter Zach Hyman, who has seized the opportunity with both hands. Since the Olympics, Hyman has netted eight goals in 15 games, marking the third time he’s reached 30 goals in an Oilers jersey. This achievement is even more impressive considering he missed the first 19 games due to a wrist injury from last year’s playoffs.
Hyman’s presence earlier in the season might have provided the Oilers a buffer in the standings, potentially easing the tension of the current wild-card race. But as we know, the Oilers often thrive under pressure, and now is the time for them to find their rhythm and push forward.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on McDavid and Hyman to lead the charge. The Oilers have the talent; it’s just a matter of timing and execution. Stay tuned, because this team is poised to make some noise.