Oilers fans and media point to clear reason behind Connor McDavid's slump
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has been mired in potentially the worst slump of his career in the last 7 games, and now a potential reason why is emerging: a simple lack of rest.
McDavid has been vocal himself about his current slump, and recognizes that he needs to be better. Nobody in hockey could doubt that he'll be able to turn it back on when it matters.
Connor McDavid slump may be caused by extreme fatigue
Plenty of fans and media are not pointing to the fact that McDavid has been absolutely worked to the bone.
McDavid entered the 4 Nations after playing 4 games in 3 nights, then participated in the intense best on best tournament on the road. Right afterward, McDavid and the Oilers embarked on a 5 game road trip against 4 playoff teams.
In a span of 29 days, McDavid in particular played a grueling schedule of 12 games against high quality competition. McDavid wasn't up to standard, registering no points and a -12 on ice rating for a stretch.
With most of these games on the road too, it's a simple reality that McDavid hasn't actually been home in some time now.
When he finally gets home and gets some rest, his energy will pick back up. McDavid's played a harsh schedule recently on top of playing a long season last year. Fatigue could be a real reason behind a slump.
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal also said that McDavid hasn't slept at home in 21 days. The captain just needs some R and R.
Much speculation about his fall-off in play lately. Sickness? Injury? Or could it be that McDavid has not slept in his own bed in twenty-one days and admirably emptied the tank during the Four Nations Faceoff. He looked to have more jump Saturday but is still not quite himself. He may just need some rest.
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
Connor McDavid slump looks to be fatigue from harsh schedule
Connor McDavid is having a down season, on pace to be one of the lowest scoring seasons of his career. He did recovery quickly from one injury and reportedly has played through illness too, and the long schedule could be a reason for the down year too.
As long as he agrees, perhaps McDavid misses a game or two down the stretch to rest prior to the playoffs. However they go about it, the focus needs to be on getting the best of McDavid for the playoffs.
No one in hockey will doubt that McDavid is still the best player in the game, and will dominate come the playoffs, as usual.
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