Edmonton Oilers
McDavid’s Wild Stat Should Be a Concern for the Canucks
Discover why McDavid has not taken many shots this season, including his performance in the Oilers’ 3-2 defeat.
Connor McDavid’s start to the 2025–26 season has been unusually quiet, raising eyebrows about why he’s choosing to pass up shooting opportunities repeatedly. In the Edmonton Oilers’ recent 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken, McDavid recorded no goals, no assists, zero shots, and just two faceoff wins on 12 attempts, finishing the night with a -2 rating. Despite logging 24:43 of ice time, including over ten minutes in the third period, he didn’t have a single shot attempt registered in the game.
Even for a player who seems to be shooting less in each game this season, that’s alarming.
Currently, McDavid is averaging the lowest Shots per 60 minutes of his NHL career. As one observer noted, “McDavid has such a beautiful, quick release. I would love to see this assertive version of 97 return.” Most Oilers fans would agree. It’s especially strange considering what he said his personal goal was coming into the season.
Speaking with Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, McDavid acknowledged he wanted to up his goal-scoring total: “I want to prove that scoring 50 or 60 is not a one-off. Part of my talent is the ability to change my mind. But at times it can take away from shooting the puck, taking it to the net, taking it to the whole, whatever it is.”
Yet, he’s just not shooting.
If McDavid Has a Point to Prove, The Canucks Might Be In Trouble
The Oilers’ struggles are certainly partially a result of McDavid having a hard time finding his rhythm. That said, Saturday’s performance against Seattle, where he had no shots, is beyond abnormal. It’s going to have been pointed out to McDavid and the Canucks — who play the Oilers Sunday night — should be ready for him to shoot.
The idea that McDavid would go two games with no shots seems like a stretch.
The next opportunity for McDavid to bounce back comes with just a 21-hour turnaround. That’s just enough time for McDavid to stew on his performance against Seattle, but maybe not enough time to let it go.
Next: Oilers Fans Divided Over Behind-The-Bench Change Amid Team’s 4-4-1 Start
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