It's always nice to have the best player in the world on your side.
The Edmonton Oilers had been missing that for the past eight games, and Connor McDavid's return on Wednesday night had an immediate impact on the team. That injection of skill, combined with the improved depth scoring they had shown in McDavid's absence, led the Oilers to a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues that has them just one point away from a guaranteed playoff spot.
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Key Player Grades
Connor McDavid: A
Though he admitted it took some time to get back into the swing of things, you wouldn't know it from the way McDavid played on Wednesday night. His three assists were business as usual; his presence alone was enough to inspire his teammates and unnerve their opponents.
His three assists bump him up to 93 points on the year, tied with Jack Eichel for sixth despite missing 14 games. With four games left in the season, 100 points is still well within reach.
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Vasily Podkolzin: B+
The Oilers' resident wrecking ball was out in full force on Wednesday, leading the team with four hits and potting his eighth goal of the season. With so many key players injured, the past few weeks have been huge for the Oilers' depth players as they fight for a spot on the playoff roster. Podkolzin has his spot all but locked up.
Connor Brown: A
From one Connor to another. Just as Vasily Podkolzin has won himself a spot on the playoff roster, so has Connor Brown. If he hadn't before, he certainly has now with his two-goal game on Wednesday. One goal is great; scoring the game-winner with just 20 seconds left in regulation is even better. Playing with Connor McDavid sure helps, but Brown more than earned his shot on the top line.
With their win and the Calgary Flames' collapse and overtime loss, the Oilers' magic number is now down to one. A win over San Jose on Friday would clinch their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, with the added bonus of eliminating the hated Flames. Just four more games to go until the real show begins.
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