NHL Insider Spots Major 'Tell' in Oilers' Connor McDavid's Game

Spector’s observation aligns with what other NHL analysts have noticed about McDavid’s play this season. 

McDavid, who dealt with an ankle injury at the start of the season and couldn't enjoy a mid-season break by playing and winning the 4 Nations Faceoff with Canada, has 85 points in 60 games this year.

Instead of making simple, effective decisions, McDavid's "tell" of going for the impossible play often cost him and the team.

That trait has contributed to a decline in his production, particularly when separated from Leon Draisaitl, as analyzed by The Athletic's Allan Mitchell.

Judging by the numbers, McDavid is currently amid one of the lowest-scoring seasons of his career, with his points per 60 minutes at five-on-five dropping to 1.75 when not playing alongside 100-point scorer Draisaitl. Last season, that number was 3.28. 

According to Mitchell's research, McDavid's production with Draisaitl has also dipped from 3.86 last year to 3.14 this season.

The team’s performance has been erratic, starting the season with three straight losses before surging through the winter at 32-12-4. However, since February 1, they have gone 6-9-0, falling behind in the Pacific Division race. 

The Oilers have won just four (two in overtime) of their last 12 games entering Sunday's matchup against the New York Rangers. Edmonton has a 38-24-4 record through 66 games, sitting third in its division but still seven points ahead of fourth-place Vancouver.