Edmonton Oilers' McDavid admits he may be passing the puck too much
The Edmonton Oilers were unable to score a single goal on Tuesday, and Connor McDavid had a few regrets about his decision-making.
Edmonton sent 33 shots toward the Minnesota Wild net, but could not find a way to solve rookie phenom Jesper Wallstedt. It was not for a lack of trying, as the Oilers controlled most of the play during the game and had plenty of good opportunities to bury the puck. Zach Hyman nearly potted a PP goal, but was stopped, and McDavid had a few point-blank looks in the slot that he passed away.
On one play, early in the game, McDavid was able to get some space directly in the slot but opted to pass it over Hyman at the side of the net, who was not able to get a great shot away.
After the game, the Oilers captain admitted that he may have passed the puck a bit too much in spots where he probably should have gotten a shot on net.
“We definitely threw pucks there, had looks, passed them away, myself more than anybody,” McDavid said. “Saw a guy standing on the back side, trying to get him the puck, but I can take those.”
"I thought there were some good signs.”
Connor McDavid on the #Oilers hard-fought loss to Minnesota. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/k9Rjvgalfr
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 3, 2025
McDavid remains one of the NHL’s finest players and is currently tied for fourth in points with 36 on the season. Out of those points, however, just 11 of them are goals, which is tied for 35th in the league.
The Oilers captain has never been known to be a shot-first type of player, and his ability to make plays has always been a trademark of his game. Yet, there does appear to be more moments this season where McDavid is deciding to pass the puck even though he is in a prime scoring position.
It can be frustrating, especially considering that McDavid has a 60-goal season under his belt and the Oilers have had troubles scoring this year. The fault, of course, does not lie solely on McDavid. The rest of the team needs to chip in offensively as well, but it might not be a bad idea for him to get a few more shots on goal in the process as well.
Things are looking a little up for Edmonton after a strong performance, but the only way to get out of this funk is to score more goals and get points on the board.