- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,454
- Reaction score
- 59
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026 NHL playoffs with belief and experience, as captain Connor McDavid stressed that his group is ready ahead of Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks. The game is scheduled on Monday, April 20, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, with home ice advantage for the group.
Speaking on Sunday, McDavid said the group feels no different from past playoff squads. He pointed to confidence built over multiple deep runs, while still respecting the challenge ahead.
“To be honest, I felt good about each and every group we go in [playoffs] with,” McDavid said about his current group in comparison to the past. “Honestly, this group is no different. Really feels like it’s anybody’s year.
“But with that being said, we got a big challenge in front of us. We got a really good young, skilled, exciting Ducks team coming in that we got to play hard, we got to be ready for, and we will be.”
MORE: NHL legend Wayne Gretzky explains why Connor McDavid deserves Hart Trophy
Experience remains the advantage for Edmonton. The team has reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025 but fell short both times. McDavid believes those runs shaped the group’s mindset entering another postseason. He said knowing what to expect helps players handle big moments better.
“I would say just knowing what to expect,” McDavid said about heading into the playoffs as a 29-year-old. “Knowing what it’s going to feel like, the environment, the game, the pressures, the momentum swings.
“Playoffs is really a different game. It really is. You have to understand all of that. This group understands that. We’ve been through plenty of runs and played in plenty of big games, and tomorrow’s no different. It’s a big game, game one at home. Great opportunity to get off to a good start.”
Game 1 presents a clash of styles. Edmonton brings playoff-tested structure, while Anaheim arrives with youthful energy. The Ducks return to the postseason for the first time since 2018, led by rising stars and an attacking approach.
The Oilers captain knows that his team must match the Ducks’ intensity from the start. Playoff hockey demands awareness of pressure swings and momentum, something Edmonton understands well.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Now, McDavid will have to lead once again after closing the regular season in dominant form. He recorded four assists in a 6-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the last game, finishing with 138 points. He led the league with 90 assists and ranked among the top goal scorers with 48 goals. Still, his playmaking continues to drive Edmonton’s offense.
MORE: Connor McDavid backs Leon Draisaitl’s ‘difference maker’ mentality ahead of NHL playoffs
One thing that could shape the series early is health. Leon Draisaitl remains questionable for Game 1 due to injury. His availability would boost Edmonton’s attack significantly, but his early absence makes the Oilers vulnerable.
The Oilers and their captain know the stakes, and they aim to turn that experience into results.
Continue reading...
Speaking on Sunday, McDavid said the group feels no different from past playoff squads. He pointed to confidence built over multiple deep runs, while still respecting the challenge ahead.
“To be honest, I felt good about each and every group we go in [playoffs] with,” McDavid said about his current group in comparison to the past. “Honestly, this group is no different. Really feels like it’s anybody’s year.
“But with that being said, we got a big challenge in front of us. We got a really good young, skilled, exciting Ducks team coming in that we got to play hard, we got to be ready for, and we will be.”
MORE: NHL legend Wayne Gretzky explains why Connor McDavid deserves Hart Trophy
Experience remains the advantage for Edmonton. The team has reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025 but fell short both times. McDavid believes those runs shaped the group’s mindset entering another postseason. He said knowing what to expect helps players handle big moments better.
“I would say just knowing what to expect,” McDavid said about heading into the playoffs as a 29-year-old. “Knowing what it’s going to feel like, the environment, the game, the pressures, the momentum swings.
“Playoffs is really a different game. It really is. You have to understand all of that. This group understands that. We’ve been through plenty of runs and played in plenty of big games, and tomorrow’s no different. It’s a big game, game one at home. Great opportunity to get off to a good start.”
Game 1 presents a clash of styles. Edmonton brings playoff-tested structure, while Anaheim arrives with youthful energy. The Ducks return to the postseason for the first time since 2018, led by rising stars and an attacking approach.
Connor McDavid’s standout season and the Oilers’ vulnerability
The Oilers captain knows that his team must match the Ducks’ intensity from the start. Playoff hockey demands awareness of pressure swings and momentum, something Edmonton understands well.
You must be registered for see images attach
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Now, McDavid will have to lead once again after closing the regular season in dominant form. He recorded four assists in a 6-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the last game, finishing with 138 points. He led the league with 90 assists and ranked among the top goal scorers with 48 goals. Still, his playmaking continues to drive Edmonton’s offense.
MORE: Connor McDavid backs Leon Draisaitl’s ‘difference maker’ mentality ahead of NHL playoffs
One thing that could shape the series early is health. Leon Draisaitl remains questionable for Game 1 due to injury. His availability would boost Edmonton’s attack significantly, but his early absence makes the Oilers vulnerable.
The Oilers and their captain know the stakes, and they aim to turn that experience into results.
Continue reading...
