Connor McDavid is criticized for a lazy play that led the loss for the Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid recently criticized his team's performance, but his performance in their latest loss against the Calgary Flames has also drawn criticism.
Despite leading 1-0 after some not allowed goals, the Oilers allowed the Flames to take control after a defensive lapse. Rasmus Andersson scored after breaking through weak defensive efforts by McDavid and Zach Hyman that led to significant frustration among Oilers fans and media.
Mark Spector and other reporters highlighted McDavid's poor defensive play on this goal and it's an issue when the team's top player sets a poor example. Connor McDavid had spoken to the media the day before and was stressing the importance of leadership stepping up. However he finished the night with a -2 rating and had far from the dominant impact expected from him.
This game continues to add concerns about the Oilers' slow starts and which have plagued them over both recent seasons. There's growing worry that Edmonton could fall into the same hole they did last year when they started 2-9-1 before an epic 16-game winning streak that saved their season. While there's confidence the team will rebound, Connor McDavid will need to lead by example to get back to their high-scoring ways.
Connor McDavid will need to deliver his first breakout performance of the season to avoid early-season struggles and help the Oilers getting some pressure off.
Source: Oilers Daily
Connor McDavid Called Out For Lazy Play That Cost the Edmonton Oilers
