What Happened
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is set to return to the lineup tonight as the team faces the Anaheim Ducks in a crucial divisional matchup. McDavid, who recently competed in the gold-medal match for Canada at the Winter Olympics, participated in the morning skate in Anaheim alongside his usual linemates, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Why It Matters
The Oilers are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning, sitting just one point ahead of the Ducks. McDavid’s return comes at a critical time, as the team lost its last three games before the Olympic break. Head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the importance of this game, stating that it could significantly impact the final standings. McDavid, who was named MVP of the Milano Cortina 2026 tournament, expressed his determination to help the team regain momentum.
What’s Next
Following tonight’s game against the Ducks, the Oilers will continue their three-game California road trip with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. With only 24 games left in the season, every point is crucial for Edmonton as they aim to secure a playoff spot.
