Connor McDavid impressed by Oilers’ defensive depth amid playoff push
The Edmonton Oilers are gaining momentum at the right time, riding a five-game win streak. Despite missing Leon Draisaitl , the team has found balance, with contributions coming across the lineup during a crucial push for the NHL playoffs. The run started with a 5-2 win over the Utah Mammoth and continued with victories against the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken, and Chicago Blackhawks .
The latest 3-1 win over Chicago highlighted Edmonton’s ability to control games while maintaining consistency on both ends. Connor McDavid credited the team’s depth for the recent surge. Speaking after the win, he pointed to strong defensive play and reliable goaltending as key factors.
He praised pairings like Darnell Nurse and Connor Murphy, while also highlighting contributions from across the forward lines. MORE: Oilers’ goalie Connor Ingram creates history after shutout win over Kraken “It’s been team efforts, obviously,” McDavid said. “I think our D have played really, really well.
Nursey and Murf have been as solid a pairing as we’ve had, and Bush [Evan Bouchard] and Ek [Mattias Ekholm] are doing their thing, and Wally [Jake Walman] and Embo [Ty Emberson] are giving us good, solid minutes. “The goalies are doing their thing, and we’re getting scoring from kind of everyone, and it’s been good. ” Defensively, the Oilers have shown improvement, allowing fewer goals and limiting high-danger chances.
Meanwhile, McDavid continues to lead the NHL with 126 points, but the Oilers are no longer relying solely on their captain. Players like Adam Henrique and Vasily Podkolzin have stepped up, while goaltenders Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry have delivered steady performances. “It’s obviously been good,” McDavid said.