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The Seven: Price drop in Montreal, McDavid's absence has upside for Oilers

Daniel Nugent-Bowman
The Seven: Price drop in Montreal, McDavid's absence has upside for Oilers

In a twisted and torturous way, Connor McDavid’s injury has been a silver lining for the Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers are 2-6-1 since the super-duper rookie broke his collarbone. They’re last in the NHL with a 7-14-1 record, all but quashing any chance at a postseason berth – again – considering they were nine points off the pace at American Thanksgiving.

McDavid was on a great run before he fell awkwardly into the boards, and was only getting better. The 18-year-old recorded 12 points in 13 games and almost certainly would have won the Calder Trophy.

But here’s the issue – despite McDavid acting as likely the Oilers’ best player, his play wasn’t impacting results. The Oilers won just five of their first 13 games.

After nearly a decade of failing to reach the playoffs, the hope was for the Oilers to show signs of progress under new coach Todd McLellan. But returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2006 was always a long shot. The Oilers earned 62 points last year and the average cutoff in the Western Conference over the past five seasons was more than 93. That’s a hefty increase for one season.

This quarter-pole mark is not what the team or its fans had envisioned, but at least another Grade-A asset like Auston Matthews or Jakob Chychrun – or a top first-round pick to trade – could be coming down the pipeline. For that, the Oilers would largely have McDavid’s injury to thank.

Now for the rest of The Seven – a weekly look at the Canadian-based NHL teams. This week we’ll break things down from first to worst.

Carey Price missed more than three weeks, came back and played less than three games, then got hurt again. (AP)
Carey Price missed more than three weeks, came back and played less than three games, then got hurt again. (AP)

MONTREAL CANADIENS (17-4-2, 36 points)

Trending – Back one day, gone the next. Carey Price’s return from a three-week absence due to a lower-body injury lasted just three games. The superstar netminder will be out at least a week after re-aggravating the ailment.

Making his mark – Devante Smith-Pelley’s promotion to the first line (more on that in a second) paid immediate dividends. The winger scored twice in a 5-1 win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

Dubious distinction – Speaking of injuries, gritty first-line winger Brendan Gallagher will be sidelined at least six weeks after breaking two fingers blocking a shot. To add insult to injury, as Sportsnet’s Michael Grange pointed out, the shot that did the damage wasn’t from a scoring area.

What’s ahead – A home-and-home set against New Jersey is next. The Canadiens then host Columbus and Washington.

OTTAWA SENATORS (12-5-5, 29 points)

Trending – Four consecutive wins and they couldn’t have come in more convincing fashion. The Senators scored 19 goals and allowed seven, with Craig Anderson recording two shutouts.

Making his mark – Career goals one and two came Wednesday in a 5-3 win over Colorado for Shane Prince. The rookie also added an assist.

Dubious distinction – It’s hard to be too critical after such a successful week. Still, the way their 7-4 win in Dallas finished – three third-period goals against – was less than ideal.

What’s ahead – The Sens are in Glendale to face the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday. They then start a three-game homestand against Philadelphia and Chicago.

The Canucks' Sedin twins are rolling and Radim Vrbata is finally starting to get untracked. (AP)
The Canucks' Sedin twins are rolling and Radim Vrbata is finally starting to get untracked. (AP)

VANCOUVER CANUCKS (9-8-6, 24 points)

Trending – The Sedins appear to have jumped into the DeLorean and gone back to 2010 or 2011. Daniel is fourth in league scoring with 25 points, while Henrik isn’t far behind with 22. They were at their vintage best last Saturday – a 6-3 win over Chicago – as Daniel netted a hat trick and added an assist and Henrik racked up five points.

Making his mark – It’s been a slow start for winger Radim Vrbata. But Vrbata scored twice in a 3-2 win against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday to give him six goals on the season.

Dubious distinction – The Canucks lost 3-2 at home to New Jersey on Sunday. So what’s the big deal? Well, the outcome gave former Canucks goalie Cory Schneider his first win against his old team.

What’s ahead – The Canucks continue their road trip in Dallas, Anaheim and Los Angeles before hosting the Stars next Thursday.

WINNIPEG JETS (10-11-2, 22 points)

Trending – Jacob Trouba’s name keeps turning up in trade rumours involving Travis Hamonic. Trouba is a 2012 first-round pick (ninth overall), but is a restricted free agent at season’s end.

Making his mark – We’ll soon get an NHL first impression of Connor Hellebuyck. The prized goalie prospect was called up from the minors on Sunday after starter Ondrej Pavelec went down with a knee injury (he’s out at least a month).

Dubious distinction – When the Jets lost 5-3 in Washington they extended their road losing streak to six games.

What’s ahead – The Jets get a chance to stop that streak again in Minnesota on Friday or in Colorado on Saturday. They host the Toronto Maple Leafs next Wednesday.

Leo Komarov has been a bright spot for the Leafs this season, playing the pest and scoring goals. (AP)
Leo Komarov has been a bright spot for the Leafs this season, playing the pest and scoring goals. (AP)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (7-10-5, 19 points)

Trending – There was plenty of concern when current starting goalie James Reimer left practice on Tuesday due to injury and then didn’t take the ice the next day. However, he’s expected to be ready to play Saturday against Washington.

Making his mark – Leo Komarov has found a spot on Toronto’s top line. The winger has seven goals, including one against Boston on Monday. His 17.9 shooting percentage has helped.

Dubious distinction – Coach Mike Babcock has been praising Nazem Kadri’s effort this season. However, a goal against Carolina last Friday was just his second this season.

What’s ahead – The Leafs host the Capitals and Oilers before heading out on the road to play in Winnipeg and Minnesota.

CALGARY FLAMES (8-13-1, 17 points)

Trending – Jonas Hiller (hip) is off the IR, meaning Joni Ortio is off to the AHL after clearing waivers. Calgary’s three-goalie system is resolved ... for now.

Making his mark – Johnny Gaudreau’s goal against Chicago last Friday was the latest example of how sneaky he can be. He grabbed his own rebound off defenceman Brent Seabrook and beat Scott Darling for the overtime winner.

Dubious distinction – The Flames lost 5-3 in Anaheim after blowing a 3-2 lead through 40 minutes. It was their 21st consecutive regular season defeat in Orange County.

What’s ahead – Following another loss in Anaheim, the Flames finish off their road trip in Arizona and San Jose on Friday and Saturday. They start a five-game homestand Tuesday against Dallas.

EDMONTON OILERS (7-14-1, 15 points)

Trending – Where have the goals gone? The Oilers have managed but one measly goal in their past two games, both losses. It was a power-play marker by Benoit Pouliot.

Making his mark – Taylor Hall leads the team in scoring with 24 points. He scored once and added two helpers in a 5-1 win against New Jersey last Friday.

Dubious distinction – The Oilers announced Nail Yakupov will be sidelined for 2-to-4 weeks due to an ankle injury. Why? Yakupov got tangled up with linesman Matt MacPherson following a centre-ice faceoff.

What’s ahead – Games in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Toronto conclude a road trip before the Oilers play the first of five at home beginning next Wednesday against Boston.