The Edmonton Oilers will have the opportunity to get rid of the Kings on Saturday night and move on to the second round.
To avoid being eliminated from the playoffs early, Los Angeles will try harder than they did in the series.
It seems the best player in the NHL is being hampered by an injury, so he might be getting some unexpected help.
On Twitter, a clip from an Oilers practice session showed Conor McDavid clearly suffering from a leg ailment.
Match time, everyone is sponsoring something. 97 Getting rid of what appears to be a sore leg in practice today. pic.twitter.com/F3kbiiWoKc
– Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) April 27, 2023
This is said to be related to the blow that Drew Doughty dealt to him in the third game.
“I think that has to do with the big hit he took from Doughty in Game 3. The broadcast showed him shaking his left leg several times after the collision. Obviously a two-day break doesn’t hurt but you think you want to finish it on Saturday and avoid the G7 for a little more rest.”
Dottie hit on McDavid pic.twitter.com/KwMw8NufSZ
Hockey World (@hockey_realm) April 22, 2023
The Oilers’ winning potential will be reduced if they play without McDavid.
Games have been close throughout the series, but if McDavid is injured, the Kings could gain the upper hand.