Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid eased injury concerns ahead of Game 3 after a positive update following his Game 2 scare against the Anaheim Ducks.
McDavid briefly left Game 2 after a collision that caused his right leg to buckle. The incident involved teammate Mattias Ekholm and Ducks defender Ian Moore. He spent several minutes in the dressing room before returning and finishing the game with over 24 minutes of ice time.
After the NHL playoff game, McDavid played down the issue, saying he only rolled his ankle. Head coach Kris Knoblauch also showed confidence, stating there were no concerns about his condition heading into the next matchup.
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Further reassurance came from Derek Van Diest, who shared a video of McDavid skating smoothly in practice on Friday. “Connor McDavid looks to be moving OK, testing out that ankle,” he wrote, suggesting the star forward has avoided serious damage.
Connor McDavid is struggling to score against the Ducks
Despite the positive signs, McDavid’s on-ice production remains under focus. The NHL scoring leader has yet to register a point through two playoff games and sits at minus-2. His struggles include a costly turnover in Game 2 that led to a short-handed goal for Anaheim.
That dip in output contrasts sharply with his regular-season dominance. McDavid recorded 138 points and consistently delivered against the Ducks, posting seven points (including 2 goals) in three meetings. His current drought has raised questions, but his movement and fitness appear intact.
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The Oilers enter Game 3 with the series tied 1-1. While the team looks for offensive rhythm, McDavid’s health remains the biggest factor. If his skating continues to look sharp, Edmonton may soon see its captain return to top form.
