A big storyline that won't go away is the offensive output of Connor McDavid, who has only one even-strength point in these playoffs and did not have any points on Friday. But anyone just looking at the scoresheet does not get a true idea of the impact that McDavid has had on nearly every game this postseason.
"I thought he was really good," said Draisaitl on Saturday morning. "He's our leader. And we had other guys stepping up. We're a team. He's been playing really really good away from the puck. He's still our best player even though he's not putting up the points he usually would.
"All the attention is on him usually and that's how it should be because he's one of the best players in the world."
McDavid has done an excellent job drawing penalties to get the Oilers dangerous power play on the ice and giving the Ducks fits in the defensive and line matching departments, particularly on Friday.
"He's the leader of the team that has two wins," Coach McLellan said matter-of-factly. "He's drawn numerous penalties throughout the series and we've only played two games. He has taxed the other team's checking forwards and put their D under stress. He's opened up ice for his teammates.
"His will to fight through it rubs off on our group throughout the lineup. I think he's doing a very good job of dealing with playoffs, dealing with checking. The biggest blanket he has is all you guys.
"He's adapting to it. He's adjusting to it. He's figuring out ways."
BLOG: McDavid's impact goes beyond goals
Despite not being on the scoresheet, McDavid continues to find ways to help the Oilers win
