Oilers Preview: McDavid’s Dominance Highlights Week, Draisaitl’s Challenge Looms
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, are showcasing the talents of Edmonton Oilers’ stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has emerged as a key player for Team Canada, demonstrating remarkable skill on the ice.
Connor McDavid’s Dominance
Leading his team with an impressive nine points in three preliminary games, McDavid has truly set the stage for his Olympic performance. Canada remains undefeated, with McDavid at the center of their success. His three-point game against Czechia solidified his reputation as one of the tournament’s top athletes.
A significant aspect of McDavid’s journey is the narrative surrounding his partnership with Sidney Crosby, which the media has referred to as the “passing of the torch.” This was visually represented when Crosby allowed McDavid to be the last to step on the ice, a gesture reminiscent of true leadership.
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Event/Matchup | Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Germany vs. France | 6:10 AM | Qualification Round for Draisaitl and Samanski |
| February 18 | Quarterfinals | TBD | Canada plays the winner of Czechia/Denmark |
| February 20 | Semifinals | TBD | Potential Canada vs. Sweden matchup |
| February 21 | Bronze Medal Game | 2:40 PM | |
| February 22 | Gold Medal Game | 8:10 AM | Final event of the Winter Olympics |
Draisaitl’s Challenge Looms
On the other side, Leon Draisaitl is captaining Team Germany, where the stakes are high. Despite his leadership, Germany has faced challenges in the group stage, suffering losses to the USA and Latvia. Draisaitl will lead his team in a critical qualification match against France on February 17. A loss in this match could end their Olympic journey.
Adding to the excitement, Draisaitl is teaming up with Oilers prospect Josh Samanski, providing fans a sneak peek into a potentially formidable pairing in the NHL.
The Rest Advantage
While McDavid and Draisaitl showcase their skills in the Olympics, key Oilers players are benefiting from some much-needed rest. Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard, snubbed from Team Canada, along with Mattias Ekholm, who was omitted from Team Sweden, now have two weeks to recover from minor injuries. This rest could prove invaluable when the Oilers return to the ice on February 25.
- McDavid leads Team Canada with nine points.
- Draisaitl faces a decisive match against France.
- Rested stars may provide an advantage for the Oilers post-Olympics.
The performance of McDavid and Draisaitl underlines their significance not just in international hockey but also for the Edmonton Oilers as the NHL season resumes.
