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Oilers' Connor McDavid Makes Admission After Wild Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 1:13 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers lost 1-0 to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, with the team unable to solve goaltender Jesper Wallstedt despite outshooting Minnesota 33-24 overall.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid noted the quality of the team’s offensive looks and pointed to areas where chances were available for him to take, although he ultimately chose to pass the puck instead of aiming at the net.

McDavid addressed his role in the missed opportunities after the game, admitting that he passed up situations where he could have taken control of the play to attempt a shot on goal.

“Yeah, maybe not the most grade-A chances, but we definitely threw pucks there,” McDavid said. “Had some looks, passed some away — myself more than anybody.”

"I thought there were some good signs.”

Connor McDavid on the #Oilers hard-fought loss to Minnesota. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/k9Rjvgalfr
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 3, 2025

McDavid was asked about why he steadily decided to pass the puck instead of shooting himself after creating space in the slot. The star center said his instinct was to find a teammate, but added that he recognized the option to finish the play himself.

“I stand on the backside, so obviously trying to get 'em the puck,” McDavid said. “But yeah, I can take those.”

McDavid also spoke about Edmonton’s overall performance in the loss, noting that conceding one goal usually leads to a favorable result. That didn't turn out to be the case on Tuesday.

“Yeah, I mean, I thought we generated looks, only gave up one,” McDavid said. “Usually when you give up one, you’re going to win a lot of games.”

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) against the Philadelphia Flyers.Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

McDavid added that, in his eyes, the Oilers had some progress in their overall game over the past two outings, and he views the performance as part of a positive trend for Edmonton.

“I thought there were some good signs. Played really solid in Seattle,” McDavid said. “ I thought we played another pretty decent one here today. That’s a good sign.”

The Oilers are 11-11-5 and 11th in the Western Conference. Their next game is against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, with puck drop set for 9 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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