Oilers stars McDavid, Draisaitl played through injuries in playoffs: coach
CTV
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers says some of the team's top stars were playing through major injuries during their Stanley Cup playoff run.
The sting of losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final lingered for the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.
While the deep playoff run capped a roller-coaster season for the team, the Oilers ultimately fell short of their goal when they were beaten 2-1 by the Florida Panthers on Monday, said centre Leon Draisaitl.
"It’s obviously disappointing, it’s frustrating," he said. "There’s only one team that can win, unfortunately. But I’m very proud of what we’ve been through this year.”
Getting over the loss will take time, added fellow Oilers Connor McDavid, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs.
“There were lots of happy moments throughout these playoffs, for sure," he said. "A lot of great moments that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Both Draisaitl and McDavid were hampered by more than bumps and bruises during the post-season, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed Wednesday.
He declined to comment on McDavid's undisclosed injury, saying he didn't have much information on the ailment. Evander Kane also played hurt, the coach said.
