Oilers’ Connor McDavid looked more recharged, explosive in Game 1 win

The Edmonton Oilers won a high-stress opening game over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals, taking it 3-2 in double-overtime. Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist, including the double-OT winner, and the Oilers’ captain may be finding his stride at the best possible time.

On Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the Oilers’ Game 1 victory and whether the improved play of McDavid could be the X-factor for Edmonton’s success.

Tyler Yaremchuk: It was a fun night last night in Dallas, Texas, for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Connor McDavid said after the game that he wouldn’t have slept very well if the Oilers didn’t win that hockey game, referencing his missed opportunity in the first overtime.

He could have also been talking about his double-minor to start overtime, which the Oilers were able to kill off. It was the Edmonton captain who came through in double overtime, finding the back of the net. From the Oilers’ perspective, it was nice to see McDavid come through in the goal-scoring department.

Frank Seravalli: I don’t know if “recharged” is the right word, but it looked like those extra couple days between games really helped him. He appeared to be more explosive, and it’s not like he’s struggled at all in Round 2 or throughout the playoffs, it’s just that he didn’t look like he had the extra juice like he usually does.

I think it’s also fair to say he wasn’t the Oilers’ best or second-best player through the first two rounds, which in an odd way of looking at things, could be a huge positive for the Oilers going forward. If he can reclaim that mantle, it would bode well for their chances of making the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…