Field Level Media
21 Feb 2025, 22:13 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)
Connor McDavid doesn't have much time to bask in his 4 Nations Face-Off glory.
After scoring the winning goal for Canada in Thursday night's championship game against the United States, McDavid is back on the ice Saturday afternoon when the Edmonton Oilers visit the Philadelphia Flyers.
The NHL took a two-week break to allow for the inaugural tournament between Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland. McDavid put the exclamation point on a memorable event with his overtime tally in the title game -- one of the signature moments of his sparkling hockey career.
'Obviously, it means a lot to our group,' McDavid said. 'I think a lot of people were wondering what this tournament would mean to guys, and obviously you can see what it means to everyone on our side. It was really exciting.'
Now, McDavid will turn his attention to getting the Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Final. They reached Game 7 last year before coming up short against the Florida Panthers.
Edmonton won two straight overtime games before falling to the Colorado Avalanche, 5-4, in its final contest before the break on Feb. 7. Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry each scored twice to set up a 4-4 game going into the third period before Calvin Pickard (in relief of Stuart Skinner) allowed the decisive goal with under five minutes remaining.
'We're preparing the same way. We're looking to play a tight game. That's our identity,' Draisaitl said. 'So it's not going to change. But obviously, we didn't do that today. Too much offense given and it's just not a great loss for us.'
The Oilers have 27 games left as they begin a five-game road trip up and down the East Coast. Edmonton has a looming stretch with tough road games against Washington, Tampa Bay, Florida and Carolina -- four of the top six teams in the East -- but first is a matchup versus Philadelphia.
The Flyers had lost seven of eight (1-6-1) before winning their final game before the break. Samuel Ersson made 31 saves and Travis Konecny notched a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 8.
'It was huge. It changes your mindset completely,' Konecny said after that win. 'We didn't play a perfect game. We could have done a lot of things differently. But 'Ers' helped us out a ton. That gives us some confidence going into the break here.'
Konecny was part of Team Canada, although he was a healthy scratch in Thursday's title game. Ersson was among the goaltenders for Sweden.
'It's big for me, obviously, to not just be a part of the tournament but to also get a game and get to play,' Ersson said. 'It was very fun and a big experience for me.'
This is the second and final meeting between Edmonton and Philadelphia this season. The Oilers held off the Flyers 4-3 on Oct. 15 as Draisaitl scored the winner in overtime, punctuating his team's comeback from an early 2-0 deficit.
McDavid has registered a point in 11 consecutive games against Philadelphia. He has 11 goals and 22 assists in 16 career games against the Flyers.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Tennis Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tennis Times.
More Information(Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) Connor McDavid doesn't have much time to bask in his 4 Nations Face-Off glory. After...
(Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images) The Detroit Red Wings entered the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament...
Melbourne [Australia], February 21 (ANI): Ahead of his nation's campaign opener in the ICC Champions Trophy against arch-rivals England,...
Bengaluru (Karantaka) [India], February 21 (ANI): Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bowl against defending...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony was scratched from Boston's lineup Friday with right...
Karachi [Pakistan], February 21 (ANI): Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton continued his fine resurgence across all formats of the game...
RFE/RL — Iya Rashevskaya was told her husband — a member of the country’s armed forces – had gone missing in the frontline in the...
FUJAIRAH, 21st February, 2025 (WAM) -- As part of the UAE's ongoing humanitarian efforts to provide essential aid to families in need...
Tel Aviv [Israel], February 21 (ANI/TPS): Hostage Families' Forum of Hope issued a statement on Friday morning asserting that only...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): The Indian contingent, comprising 49 members, is set to represent the nation at the prestigious...
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 21 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday transferred Rs 224 crore in...
New Delhi [India], February 21 (ANI): Allowing a complaint against an insurance company, the District Consumer Redressal Commission...