Edmonton Oilers Pre-Season Opener Recap: McDavid, Draisaitl, and Frederic Debut in 4-1 Loss to Seattle Kraken
The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Seattle Kraken in a pre-season game at Rogers Place. The Oilers' top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Trent Frederic made their debut but struggled to generate offense. The game ended in a 4-1 loss for the Oilers, with Andrew Mangiapane scoring the lone goal for Edmonton. Despite the lackluster performance, head coach Kris Knoblauch remained optimistic about the team's early form.
Stuart Skinner made his pre-season debut in goal for the Oilers and admitted to feeling average during the game. The team as a whole seemed to be shaking off the rust in their first pre-season outing. Despite the disappointing result, Knoblauch emphasized the importance of these early games in preparing for the upcoming season.
The Oilers also announced that Vasily Podkolzin would be taking a leave of absence to attend his father's funeral in Russia. Podkolzin had recently signed a new three-year deal with the team and was praised by his teammates for his work ethic and potential on the ice. Draisaitl expressed his sympathy for Podkolzin and highlighted his positive impact on the team.
Looking ahead, Draisaitl is expected to continue skating with McDavid and Frederic as the season approaches. Frederic, who battled a high ankle sprain over the summer, showed promise in keeping up with his linemates. Draisaitl acknowledged the challenges of the injury but praised Frederic's skill and toughness. The Oilers are hopeful that the trio can develop chemistry and contribute offensively once the season begins.
Despite the pressure of being the NHL's top-paid player this season, Draisaitl remains focused on his performance on the ice. He emphasized his commitment to the game and downplayed the significance of his contract. As the Oilers continue their pre-season preparations, Draisaitl and McDavid are expected to lead the team both on and off the ice.
In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers faced a tough loss in their first pre-season game against the Seattle Kraken. The team's top line struggled to find their rhythm, but there were positive signs of potential chemistry between McDavid, Draisaitl, and Frederic. As the season approaches, the Oilers will look to build on their early performances and fine-tune their game for the challenges ahead.