Edmonton Oilers give update on McDavid after scary collision versus Vegas

The Edmonton Oilers don’t seem to have any concern over the status of Connor McDavid as they prepare for the Western Conference Final.

Oilers fans were forced to hold their breath in Game 5 versus the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night after McDavid went flying into the boards while attempting to break up a scoring chance. The 28-year-old seemed to be shaken up on the play, but was able to remain in the game.

Though there was some concern that he may be banged up moving forward as a result of the high-speed collision, head coach Kris Knoblauch assured reporters on Friday morning that McDavid is fine and will be ready to go whenever the Western Conference Final gets underway.

“That was quite a play by [Zach] Hyman and McDavid on that back check to break up that play,” Knoblauch said. “Yes, [McDavid] crashed into the boards, [but] he’s fine.”

Thanks to a rather quick series win over the Golden Knights, the Oilers have been given a bit of a break to rest and recoup as they await the winner of a series between the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets to determine who they will play next. Though the status of the Oilers captain doesn’t seem to be of concern, having some time off to allow guys dealing with bumps and bruises could be huge for this team with one goal on their mind.

“It can be good. Obviously, during playoffs, it’s a grind,” Knoblauch said. “It’s physical hockey, it’s 100 per cent effort every time you’re on the ice, and it can wear guys down. We also have to be cognizant of being ready to start up again, because I feel that we’re better [when] we’re keeping things rolling, not having long breaks.”

Though a start time for the Western Conference Final has yet to be announced, fans can buy tickets starting on Friday at noon MDT.

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