The Stanley Cup Playoffs is a long battle of attrition, especially when it's forced to a Game 7 Cup Final. In the last two games of the Cup Final, McDavid went without a point and only recorded two shots on net. Specifically in Game 7, McDavid just didn't look like himself, and it's very possible he was held back by an injury. Gazzola is a best reporter who's been around the team through this playoff run, and would have solid sources on the extent of a McDavid injury.
After the game though, McDavid made no excuses for the loss. Visibly, every Edmonton Oiler was throughly dejected by the loss, but spoke highly of the team's effort and belief in this series and this playoffs. Even when asked about the Conn Smythe Trophy, McDavid looked like he didn't care.
In the coming days, we'll learn the full details of the Oilers health status through the playoffs, and which players will require offseason surgery. Leon Draisaitl's play also looked like he was injured, and Evander Kane will require surgery to correct a hernia from before this playoffs. There's likely more injured Oilers too, and we will find out the entire medical report on locker room clean out day.
In a season where the Oilers defied the odds time and again to climb out of near last place to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, it really felt like they were a team of destiny headed for their first Stanley Cup since 1990. It just wasn't the year, they needed too many miracles, but this group isn't finished. With the character they showed this playoffs and the lessons learned, the Oilers will be back next year - determined to finish the job.
