Oilers Analyst Claims Connor McDavid is Having the Worst Start to a Season in His Career

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Liam McCormick
October 28, 2024 (4:13 PM)

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Connor McDavid is only 8 points away from reaching the incredible career milestone of 1000 points, and he may have already got there if not for a slow start this year.

The Oilers captain still has 3 goals and 10 points in 9 games, but analyst Bruce Curlock is claiming that this may be the worst stretch of McDavid's career. A lot of Oilers fans who have been watching closely might agree too, that McDavid hasn't been at his top level quite yet.

Curlock went on to explain that Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman's lack of scoring early this season has significantly impacted McDavid's numbers, but also that the Captain's defensive game and powerplay work is leaving a lot to be desired. The Oilers powerplay is usually their greatest strength, but it's currently the 5th worst in the NHL, operating at only 10.5%.

It's hilarious that even when he's visibly not at his best, McDavid is still a dominant player every shift. There could be a few factors to the slow start from last year as well. McDavid did sustain an abdominal injury that nearly required surgery last playoffs, then took an easier training camp this year to avoid re-injuring himself.

After losing their first three games of the season, the Edmonton Oilers have already begun to battle back from their slow start. With two real positive wins in a row against the Penguins and Red Wings, the Oilers have some momentum to potentially put together a win streak.

When Connor McDavid entered the season only 18 points away from reaching the career threshold of 1000, plenty of fans and media predicted he may be able to get there within the first 10 games. That hasn't worked out, but surely, McDavid will get his 1000th point within the next week. It will be a historic moment for the sport of hockey, and an awesome full-circle moment for Oilers fans who've watched him score all 1000 points.