Oilers defenceman defends McDavid and Draisaitl from criticism in interview

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Liam McCormick
July 30, 2024 (4:31 PM)

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The Oilers superstars had an otherworldly playoff run this year, and played a major role in taking the team to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Still, some are criticizing McDavid and Draisaitl for not being clutch performers when it mattered in Game 7. In a recent interview, Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm called out the criticism of the stars as being completely bogus.

«It was quite ironic because we had a guy who broke one of Wayne Gretzky's records in the playoffs. For him to then be criticized for not delivering Sure, I understand that he didn't score in the last two games or whatever it was, but we would never have been in the Stanley Cup final without those two.»

«To criticize when we were one goal away from overtime in Game 7, you have to realize that we faced a good team that was simply a bit better when it mattered.»
- Mattias Ekholm

It's great to see Ekholm stick up for his teammates, and even recognize that he shouldn't have to. Any criticism of McDavid and Draisaitl not producing in the playoffs is simply insane when they've been the best playoff players of this generation in the NHL. Sure, they didn't score in Game 7, but they dragged the team to that point and were on their last legs with injuries. They'll be back in that same situation soon competing for a Cup, and they'll have the opportunity to prove again why they're the greatest players in the league.

Not only that, Ekholm recognized the hard truth that the Panthers were simply the better when it mattered in the crunch time. It was a hard fought battle, neither team made many mistakes, but the Panthers capitalized on one more chance and that's all that matters. It's a tough lesson, but the Oilers will be more experienced, more motivated, and better than ever when competing for the Cup next year.

Source: OilersNation

Ekholm interview